THE CULTIVATION OF CODI^UMS (CROTONS) AND DRACAENAS. 379 
infested with spots, and the bottom of the stem just above the 
soil gets hardened, and so stops further growth. 
As a potting soil use two parts of good fibrous loam, one of 
leaf soil and one of peat. Let it be porous and picked with 
the hand, and add one-sixth of silver sand. Have the whole 
thoroughly mixed, which will form a porous compost. 
Do not allow the plants to become root-bound in a small 
state, but use the size of pots according to the purpose for which 
the plants are intended to be grown. Many species and varieties 
may be grown into large specimens, but most of them are equally 
suitable for small pots as they develop their character in a young 
state. For general use, 5- and 6-inch pots are the most convenient, 
in which sizes perfectly well-coloured plants can be grown. 
Those intended to be grown into large specimens should be 
re-potted several times at intervals, until finally potted in 12-inch 
pots. A layer of good drainage is indispensable, and the thick- 
ness of it should depend on the size of the pots used. The soil 
being coarse, it should be pressed firm, not hard. 
Particular attention should be paid to shading. It is abso- 
lutely necessary to protect Dracaenas from the strong rays of the 
sun, if the foliage and colour are to be kept in a fresh and healthy 
condition. If too much exposed to direct sunlight, the leaves 
turn rusty, and the lower ones drop off. 
Most of the Dracaenas can be very readily propagated, but 
some species require time to get up a stock. They are propagated 
by means of cuttings, roots, stems, and seeds. The numerous 
introductions and hybrids of the coloured section can be propa- 
gated at any time throughout the year ; but where a quantity 
is intended to be grown for decorative purposes, and well- 
coloured plants about 12 to 24 inches are required during the 
autumn and winter months, October will be found the most suit- 
able time for increasing them ; those propagated in the beginning 
of the year usually come in ready for use the following spring. 
All plants intended to be cut up should have the top taken off 
first, and the stems cut in portions of two inches in length, 
with a sharp knife, so that the skin may not be bruised with 
the fingers, or the pieces will be liable to rot after being put 
in heat. They should be laid in cocoa-fibre refuse, or sand, 
in a close case in bottom heat about 75°, and slightly covered 
with the same material, and be kept of an even temperature 
D 2 
