temperature and humidity. They flower from very small sizes. Blooming size, $3.75. We 
have a few of the var. Atrorubrum, dark red, for $6.00. These are in great demand and 
the plants on hand are small. If you can wait until about Apr. 1, we can send larger — 
plants. 
A. crystallinum. A beautiful foliage plant that does not need flowers, tho it has green 
fls. Leaves are cordate-ovate to 10” wide and 14” long, deep velvety green, prominently 
veined white. Pale rose on under side. Small plants, $3.75. 
Spathiphyllum clevelandi. Close relative of Anthurium and formerly so classified. 
Fls. are white and freely produced. Very easy to grow. Blooming size, $3.75. 
Culture of Anthuriums and Spathiphyllums. These are tender tropical plants, suitable 
only for pot culture. Soil formula: We prefer to use about 14 old osmundine; % peat. 
Add a thin layer of sphagnum on surface to prevent eroding the surface when watering. 
Set plant low in an oversized pot and as it grows, new roots are formed on compost 
surface which should be covered with more sphagnum. When compost surface reaches 
rim of pot, shift to larger pot. Fertilize with Spoonit or liquid manure. 
Fancy Leaf Caladiums are the most gorgeous of foliage plants. Every leaf is a flower 
as vivid in color as a rose, tulip or tigridia. In 1951, an early freeze took most of our 
Florida growers crop and we were unable to fill our orders. This year we could get only 
7 varieties but they are dug and are stored in a greenhouse and we will not disappoint 
early customers. We will pack your order and mail as soon as safe. If you want to pot 
them early for greenhouse growing they can be sent by express. Store tubers at 60° to 70°. 
Caladiums like heat and must have it. The best starting and growing temperature 
is 85° or higher. They will, however, start and grow in a comfortably warm room. Soil 
formula: 14 rich sandy loam; 4% well rotted dairy manure; 14 fine, rotted leaf mould 
or peat. Add a tablespoonful of bone meal to a 5” to 7” pot. Set bulbs 1” under soil 
surface. We prefer to have only pure peat or sand to touch the bulbs. Don’t forget per- 
fect drainage. Read Potting Directions. Keep barely moist until sprouts appear. Water 
liberally when in full growth. If you allow them to become dry, foliage will be lost. We 
start Caladiums, Begonias, Gloxinias, Achimines, Haemanthus and a lot more in the same 
house where we grow Saintpaulias, Cattleyas, Anthuriums and other tropicals but later 
Begonias and Achimines are moved to a cooler greenhouse or a lath house. They are 
shade plants, about 25% sun exposure is right. 
Houdyshel Method. I have my best success in starting and growing Caladiums, Glox- 
inias, Achimines, Eucharis and most shade, acid loving plants in a mixture of peat and 
sphagnum with a little sponge rock or sharp sand. You may prefer to add a little rich 
soil, a tablespoonful each of dairy manure and/or bone meal, but fertilizer not in con- 
tact with bulbs. When growing, Caladiums need frequent feeding. I prefer to fertilize 
after some growth is made, with Spoonit solution. Note additional advice under Saint- 
paulias, Achimines, etc. 
After June 1, often earlier, it will be easy to maintain right temperature for starting 
or growing Caladiums. When growth is well advanced they will also have more tolerance. 
In our very dry climate, growing out doors is difficult but possible if well watered daily. 
Greenhouse culture is ideal. In the fall, when outer leaves begin to yellow, dry them - 
off. When the foliage is lost the pots may be laid on their sides. They may be stored 
in pots in a warm room, never colder than 60°. The greenhouse and warm living rooms 
are good places to store tubers, Start tubers in only slightly moist compost. Give constant 
moisture when in full growth. | 
1. Candidum. Snow white leaf with dark green ribs. 
Edith Meade. Snow white, with green border and red ribs. 
Triomphe de L’Exposition. Velvety red center, shading to narrow green border. 
D. M. Cook. Rumpled leaf with deep plum red center. 
John Peed. Brilliant red leaf with dark green border. 
Dr. T. L. Meade. Deep red with black, velvety sheen. 
Lord Derby. Rose leaf with dark green veins and ribs. 
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PEIN AS a oy dee 
