r 
C LI BRANS 
UV APPOINTMENT. 
A LTR I N C, IIA M 
Gesneras (Naegelia). 
Years ago we cultivated and maintained a collection of Gesneras. For some reason the 
plants gradually ceased to be popular, and as a consequence we ceased to grow them. 
Latterly, there has been a distinct revival of interest, and as we are frequently asked to supply 
plants, we have again taken up their cultivation. 
Gesneras are closely allied to Gloxinia, Achimenes, Saintpaulia and Streptocarpus, all 
well known and beautiful plants. For winter effect the Gesnera is a distinctly beautiful 
plant, not only for its flowers, but for its handsome richly-coloured foliage. 
Mr. F. Chipstone, of Dingley Gardens, who grows these plants remarkably well, writes 
as follows regarding their cultivation : — 
" When the plants have finished flowering, they are placed in a light position under the 
stage. They are watered until the foliage shows signs of withering, after which moisture is 
gradually withheld until the stems have died down, when the plants are turned out of their 
pots and stored in sand. In this condition they remain in a dry, warm shed till the second 
week in July, when they are re-potted, three being placed in a 6 inch pot, or one or two in a 
4J inch or 5 inch pot. The compost consists of two parts loam, one part peat, with a little 
dry cow dung, leaf-soil, and sand. If the soil is moist, no water is needed until signs of growth 
are apparent, beyond syringing overhead twice each day. At first they are placed in a vinery, 
but when growth is about an inch or so in length, they are transferred to a pit, where they 
receive more light. When the pots have become filled with roots, weak liquid manure is 
afforded the plants.” 
It should be stated in connection with the above, that Mr. Chipstone grows his plants for 
flowering during December and January. By starting the bulbs earlier, they can of course 
be brought into bloom at any earlier date. Mr. Chipstone flowers his plants in an intermediate 
house, together with Begonia " Gloire de Lorraine.” 
Of the many species and varieties of these plants, we recommend the following : — 
Plants ready from end of July, 2/6 each. 
Cinnabarina, a brilliantly coloured Mexican species, producing bright orange scarlet flowers, 
broad handsome foliage ; one of the best. 
Cream Seedling, a selected variety, producing lovely spikes of cream coloured flowers, of great 
beauty. 
Leopold!, a beautiful Brazilian species of dwarf compact habit, producing bright vermilion 
flowers. 
White Seedling, a selected form with spikes of pure white flowers ; a charming contrast to the 
brightly coloured species. 
Zebrina discolor, orange-yellow flowers in fine spikes, richly coloured handsome foliage, native 
of Brazil. 
Columnea magnifica 
(Closely allied to the Gesneras). 
AWARD OF MERIT, R.H.S., OCT. 26th, 1909. 
A very beautiful new plant from Costa Rica. It is of shrubby habit and succeeds well in 
a greenhouse or an intermediate temperature. The flowers are tubular, orange-scarlet or 
flame coloured, produced in the axils of the leaves, the latter are clothed with fine hairs. The 
plant is easily grown, and succeeds well in a mixture of loam, peat, leaf-mould and coarse sand. 
It is a fine autumn-flowering subject, and is highly recommended. 
Plants ready in July, 2/6 each. 
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