GARDENS 25 
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We are checking all varieties that we can find. As fast as we 
secure sufficient propagation of a variety and its identity is 
established, we will release it to our ¢iistomers. We have quite 
a number of varieties under observation at present but not all 
will prove sufficiently different in growth or flower to merit 
the consideration of the general public. 
Culture is not difficult. A very porous soil that drains well 
and yet remains moist—NOT SODDEN— is best. The Zygo- 
cactus need an airy moist atmosphere for best results. Their 
normal food is derived from decayed leaves and bark accumu- 
lated in the crotches of the trees in which they have become 
established. In making an artificial duplication of this condi- 
tion we use a POTTING SOIL rich in humus and leafmold. 
During the hottest months set the zygos aside in a cool place— 
water sparingly. Water oftener in the fall while buds are 
forming. As a special treat to these plants soak one pound of 
cottonseed meal in five gallons of water for 24 to 36 hours or 
longer. Strain well and use as a foliage spray. It need not be 
washed off as it is beneficial to both plant and soil. This may 
be used two or three times a year. 
The Zygocactus is susceptible to scale and care should be 
taken to examine the undersides of the links regularly especi- 
ally right at the joints. At the first sign of any infestation a 
mild oil spray should be used. Your dealer will recommend a 
suitable one. Spray only on cool or cloudy days; the plants 
may be hosed off after 24 hours; repeat in two weeks if 
necessary. 
When you receive a rooted Zygocactus, it should be soaked 
in tepid water for an hour or so on arrival, to make the roots 
pliable before planting. When you receive an unrooted cutting 
remember roots form only at the joints so be sure there is an 
undamaged joint just below the soil line. If you want to ex- 
periment try vitamin B1 or one of the hormones. 
Grafted Zygos are rather difficult to ship but sometimes it is 
impossible to obtain a plant on its own roots. If you have re- 
ceived a grafted one it is wise to use soil and other conditions 
suitable to the growth of the base or root-stock. No trellis is 
needed except for grafts on tall standards. These should be 
supported as their tops increase in size. A framework simulat- 
ing an umbrella is often used. 
AVAILABLE VARIETIES OF ZYGOCACTUS TRUNCATUS 
BICOLOR (Thanksgiving). Tube is white with slight purple 
_ lines. Petal edges and tips deep rose. Flowers earliest of all— 
_ October to November. Rooted cuttings 50c. 
SALMONEUM. Petals are one shade of salmon pink with 
_ very little white in the tube of flower. Flowers as late as 
_ January. Rooted cuttings 50c. 
MME. FOURNIER. Plant growth broad with large hooks 
on the edge and at the apex. Flowers slightly larger than 
_ Salmoneum and deeper in color—more of a rose shade. Rooted 
cuttings 50c. 
DELICATUM. Limited. Flower white with glow of pink 
on petal edges after the first day. Pistil—magenta. Plant leaves 
small and slender with well placed horns on apex. Small 
rooted cuttings $1.00. 
Other varieties of Zygocactus will be available from time to 
time. 
CHRISTMAS CACTUS 
The plant usually distributed under this term may flower as 
late as March or even in late summer. Its true identity is still 
in question. It does not have a zygomorphic flower. It has 
_ small regular flowers of fuchsine-pink which have a short tube 
_and a 4 to 5-edged ovary with large scales. The flowers some- 
times are slightly hooded the first day and the petals often 
_ open wide on the second day. Tips of plant joints blunt but 
_with no noticeable claws. Plants 35c to $1.50. 
