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PLANTING SEEDS 
Soak the seed in a deep saucer or glass in a weak solution of Bordeaux for 12 hours, after which they should 
be changed into clear water and placed in a warm place near a sunny window or stove. Seed will start to crack 
in about two weeks and begin to show signs of sprouting. At this time you may plant all the seed or you may 
pick them out when they show signs of sprouting, taking care not to allow them to remain too long in the water 
as they are easily injured in picking them out. Plant seed in equal parts of peat moss and washed sand which 
has been soaked the day before and allowed to drain. After planting, cover flat or pot with a glass shaded by a 
newspaper. Change the water on the remaining seed from time to time to keep it from stagnating. This seed is 
slow to germinate ;'some may be sprouting a year later so do not be too hasty. When the small seedlings form, 
they appear like any other thorny cacti. When one-fourth inch high, they are then transplanted into a well- 
screened soil mixture made of the following parts: 
2 parts well decomposed leaf mould. 
I part peat moss. 
I part washed coarse sand or decomposed granite. 
t level tablespoon steamed bone meal to each gallon of soil. 
This also should be soaked before planting. All watering should be done from the bottom of seedlings. 
Seedlings may remain in this mixture for one year and when well established extra fertilizer may be given 
but it must be done with care. If algae forms on top of soil, soak flat in a weak solution of Bordeaux Mixture. 
Repeat if necessary, since it will not injure the tender seedlings. Container must have good drainage. 
DISEASE 
For disease control of Scale, Mealy, Thrip, and Aphis, use a spraying solution of 314 teaspoons “‘Extrax,” or 
use 114 teaspoons “Black Leaf 40” to 1 gallon of water with 1 tablespoon of powdered soap. Dissolve soap 
first. More effective if used warm. Use preferably in the evening. Repeat in ten days. Root mealy has been 
eradicated by the use of “LAWN-A-GEN,” a dichlorethylether product. It is claimed that this will also con- 
trol Nematode (rootknot). Also used as directed. 
The eradication of nematode can only be reasonably assured when all soil and containers have been sterilized 
by steam. Over an open flame, heat the soil mixture in an air-tight container with a sufficient amount of water, 
to at least 120° F. for one hour. This will not only increase the soil productivity but will also be the best 
insurance to the maintenance of a good collection. Beneficial bacteria will gradually be restored by natural pro- 
cesses or may be hastened by taking a tablespoonful of soil from a known container of unquestionable repute as 
culture. 
Fungus disorders and diseases may be prevented and controlled by constant scrutiny and a definite program. 
At least once a year a Bordeaux Mixture should be applied as recommended for roses. Plants should be thoroughly 
coated as well as the top of the soil—particularly after flowering when the plants are at rest. A paste made of 
the Bordeaux Mixture may be painted directly to fungus spots at any time without spraying the whole plant. 
Lighter spraying should be resorted to at various times throughout the year with the exception of the flowering 
season. 
Virus diseases are similar to fungus infections having a reaction equally as detrimental. The same control 
measures should be used. In both instances all heavily diseased portions or plants should be destroyed or if the 
plant is too valuable to destroy it should be isolated. 
Ants, Sow bugs, Snails, Slugs, Millipeds and other similar pests may be controlled by well known products 
used according to directions of the makers. Ants must be completely controlled. 






FROM THE “CACTUS AND SUCCULENT JOURNAL” 
Ventura Epiphyllum Garden deserves the highest praise for its leadership in publishing the 
first illustrated catalog dealing exclusively with Epiphyllums. Because these plants can be 
grown in every part of the country, they will continue in their popularity. The beautiful flowers, 
rather than the plants, are the goal of every grower and with reasonable care one is rewarded a 
thousandfold. The rare coloring in the flowers is difficult to describe, but Mrs. Monmonier 
has accomplished this not only in her list of well known Epiphyllums but in the new seedlings 
that she has developed in her own garden. This catalog is a starting point for recording these 
plants. Scotr E. HASELTON, Ed/tor. 
Page Twenty two 
