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MEAKM GARDENS 
Gertrude W, Beahm Sherman E, Beahm 
2706 Paloma Street 
Rye dD, fi ---Fex 746 
Pasadena, California, 
TYGOCACTUS (Christmas Cactus), 
The term zygo is from the Greek werd meaning ycke, This genus is 
native of Brazil where they are found growing like orchids in trees, 
Most varieties branch well from the base some becoming bushy with a 
woody tr » Branches on some forms tend to arch outward with a 
distinct chain effect giving rise to the name of Linkcactus which was 
uged in the latter part of the nineteenth century, Links are obvate 
to round with a blunt apex or with a horned apex, the latter form 
giving rise to the term CRABcactus, 
The flowers are very beautiful and have a distinctly different 
shape from most other Epiphytes, Before opening, the bud is 
pointed forward and seems to be hooked, Before fully opened the 
uppermost petals are overlapped and tipped forward in a hood er roof 
effect with the stamens and anthers clinging to the top; the lower 
petals are spreading and bent back against the tube, In general, 
the effect is that of an upside-down flower, They may be found in 
a number of colors including white, They are excellent as corsage 
material and when so used are worn reversed, Flowers are borne 
at the apex of the stems and are solitary; rarely two or three, 
They are zygomorphic, that is, divisible into similar or symmetrical 
halves by one plane only, 
CULTURE: 
Culture is not difficult, <A very porous soil that drains well and 
yet remains moist - NOT WET - is best, However, where the plant is 
a grafted one, it is wise to use soil and other conditions suitable 
to the growth of the base or root-stock, Epiphytic plants need an 
airy, moist atmosphere for best results, Their normal food is 
derived from decayed leaves and. bark accumulated in the crotches of © 
the trees in which they have become established, In making an 
artificial duplication of this condition, we use about one half leaf 
mold with the balance of the mixture composed of equal parts of soil, 
coarse gravel and well rotted steer manure with the addition of a 
small amount of steamed bone meal (possibly a teaspoonful to a three 
inch pot), Water oftener in the fall while buds are forming, than 
in the spring. If possible, set the plants aside in a cool, moist 
place during the hottest months = water sparingly, 
The Zygocactus is susceptible to scale and care should be taken 
to examine the undersides of the leaves regularly, especially right 
at the union of the joints, At the first sign of any infestation, a 
mild oil spray should be used, Spray only on cool or cloudy days; 
the plants may be hosed off after <@4 hours; repeat in two weeks if 
necessary, Your dealer will recommend 2 suitable one, As a special 
treat to your plants, soak one pound of cottonseed meal in five 
gollons of water for 24 to 36 hours or longer, Strain well and use 
as a foliage spray, It need uot be washed off as it is beneficial 
to both plant and soil, This may be used two or. three times a. year gee 
