104 
GOMPHOLOBIUM HENDERSONII. 
Considerable skill and attention is necessary to preserve this species, and indeed 
many of the slow-growing New Holland plants, in a healthy growing condition. 
It is one of those delicate-rooted plants which are so extremely susceptible of injury 
from the careless application of water. Nothing is more likely to prove fatal than 
either to allow the soil to become too dry, or to maintain it in a wet and sodden state. 
At each application sufficient water must be given to moisten all the soil contained 
in the pot. Slight waterings, though often repeated, are not so beneficial as one 
copious application ; as the surface of the soil alone becomes moist, and the great 
bulk which surrounds the roots of the plant, and on which it is chiefly dependent 
for nourishment, remains almost as dry as before. 
A peaty soil of a fibrous nature, with a trifling admixture of loam and sand, 
should be chosen, and in potting, sufficient drainage must be employed to provide 
a ready escape for superabundant moisture. And as this is a plant which never 
rambles or grows large and luxuriant, it must not be planted in too large a pot. 
Immediately after potting, it should be placed in a close frame, and kept shaded 
from bright sunshine, till the roots have taken hold of the fresh compost. 
The great difficulty experienced in inducing cuttings to strike root still prevents 
the plant from becoming common or even generally known. Cuttings must be 
chosen from the young wood just as it begins to acquire firmness, and they should 
be planted in sand, the pot plunged in a slight bottom-heat, and covered with a 
bell-glass. 
The specific designation is given in compliment to Messrs. Henderson, of 
Pine-apple Place. 
