225 
SUCCULENT PLANTS. 
{Continued from p. 209.) 
From the culture of the spherical-headed kinds of Cactacese, we shall now turn 
to that of the Epiphyllous sorts. These may be defined as having, for the most 
part, stems which are much elongated, and more or less flattened at the sides, so as 
to approach, in some instances, very nearly to the form of leaves. They constitute 
a portion of the genera Cereus, Cactus, Epiphi/llum, Rhipsalis, Opuntia, Stapelia, 
and one or more modern divisions, of a similar character. 
Several of the Epiphylla differ essentially from the globular species of Cactacesa 
in a very important part of their habitude ; and this difference renders a somewhat 
peculiar treatment desirable. "W^e refer to their epiphytal nature ; many of them 
being found on the branches of trees, along with orchidaceous plants. The old 
Epiphylliim speciosum furnishes a good example of the class, as we have frequently 
observed specimens adhering to logs of wood on which Orchidaceas have been 
imported, and seeming to thrive as well in such positions as their more decidedly 
epiphytal neighbours. 
On the point just broached, however, experience advances to the aid of the 
culturist, and prevents him from too rigidly following a system of management 
which is but partially pursued by Nature. One principal aim of the cultivator of 
exotics must always be to preserve his plants in the most continuously verdurous 
condition compatible with the free production of flowers. And it is often to be 
noticed, that while the precise degree of the elements naturally afforded to vegetation 
renders it capable of fulfilling all the ends to which it is destined, a more artificial 
process of culture will make it additionally pleasing to the eye for a much longer 
period. It is thus with Orchidaceee ; particular species of which are generally 
known to grow in a superior manner in this country to that common to them in 
their native climes. And the group of Cactaceae at present under remark is 
likewise susceptible of great improvement, by the modified application of proper 
auxiliaries. 
Instead, therefore, of fastening any of the Epiphylla to blocks of wood in our 
stoves, and affording them only the scanty means of obtaining moisture which some 
Orchidaceae receive, we act wisely by growing them in a more extensive medium, and 
placing around their roots a more retentive material ; for by this method we procure 
strong and luxuriant specimens, whose vigour alone is exceedingly interesting, even 
in the absence of blossoms. But here another extreme presents itself, which the 
less reflective find the greatest difficulty in avoiding. In the natural state of all 
epiphytes, they are subjected, during a considerable part of the year, to excessive 
drought, by which means vital action is for a time suspended, and the embryos of 
floral development are elaborated and matured. Without some period analogous to 
this, no flowers can be rationally expected from such plants. 
VOL. VII.~NO. LXXXII. G G 
