Cactus Culture For Amateurs

US PHYL

on, a leaf,

in the former the flowers are produced along the margins of the flattened branches, whereas in the latter they are borne on the apices of the short, truncate divisions. If we compare

he flat, fleshy portions or wings of the stems of these plants are simply modified leaves-not properly separated from each other and from the stem, but still to all intents and purposes leaves-which, as the plant increases and matures, gradually wither away

as in 1710 that the flowering of E. Phyllanthus was first recorded in English horticulture. Philip Miller grew it with many other Cactuses in the botanical garden at Chelsea which was founded by Sir Hans Sloane, in 1673, to be maintained "for the manifestation of the power,

lanted in pots or in baskets-the latter method being adapted for one or two smaller kinds. It is easy to imagine the gorgeousness of a group of these plants when seen enveloping a large tree-trunk, clothing it, as it were, with balls of brilliant or pure white flowers. We are told by travellers of the splendours of a Cactus haunt dur

d have a fair shift; larger ones only into a size of pot which just admits of a thin layer of fresh soil. When pot-bound, the plants flower most freely, and it is not necessary to repot large specimens more often than about once every three years. When potted they should be placed in a sunny position in a close house or frame, and be kept freely watered. In bright weather they may be syringed overhead twice a day. For the first few days after repotting it is advisable to shade the plants from bright sunshine. A st

en the growths properly. As a matter of fact, it does no good, but often doe

an or as a bush. Old branches which have flowered

the healthy growth and flowering of most of the species. When grown in this way, water must be supplied exactly as advised for plants

he air for a day or two, should be planted in small pots filled with very sandy soil; they may be placed on a dry, sunny shelf near the glass, and be slightly sprinkled overhead daily till rooted. Seeds, which sometime

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orm broad, rather thin, blade-like growths, with the margins sinuately lobed (waved and notched). The flowers are large-over 6 in. in diameter-the petals, very acutely pointed and undulated along the edges; flower tube 2

HYLLOCACTU

rs, finding much favour among the costermongers, as the plants could be bought at a low price, and, owing to their large, brilliant flowers, always sold well at a good profit. This species has been employed by the hybridists for the obtaining of new kinds, and some very handsome and distinc

produced near the apex of the branches, and are composed of a curved tube 6 in. long, spreading out at the top to a width of 6 in., and surmounted by a whorl of pure white petals, in the centre of which are the stamens, ra

HYLLOCACTU

of much value for garden purposes. The branches are short, rather narrow and drooping, the margins notched and tinged with red. The flowers are borne generally on the ends of the branches, and are drooping in habit

HYLLOCACTU

s also are the sepals; petals 4 in. long, in a whorl, the points curving inwards; stamens and pistil erect, forming along with the petals a large star of a pale cream-colour. The beauty and fragrance of these flowers, which open in June, render them specially valuable for cutting and placing in rooms, where, notwithstanding their short duration, they never

ng time is at night. The delicious almond scent of the flowers of this fine Cactus is so strong, that during the flowering period the atmosphere of the large Cactus-house at Kew Gardens is permeated with it, the large specimens there having usually a score or more flowers open together, the effect of which is truly grand. Even this number of flowers is, for this species, by no means extraordinary, specimens having been grown elsewhere, in pots only 8 in. across, with a

no thicker than a goose quill, and covered with reddish scales; the petals are spreading, and form a cup 6 in. across; they are narrow, pointed, and pure white, the outer whorl, as well as the sepals, being tinged on the under side with a tawny colour. The stamens form a large cluster in the centre, and are bright yellow, the style being red and yellow. It is probable that this plant ha

own so as to form a large shrub in a few years; or by cutting it back annually, or growing on young plants from cuttings every two years, nice little pot plants may be obtained; and as the plant produces flowers freely when in a small state, it is available for small greenhouses as well as for large ones. A fine specimen, such, for instance,

ip Miller grew it in his collection in 1710. The branches are broad and flat, the edges waved, not notched, and the flowers are composed of a thin tortuous tube, 9 i

a garden plant, though it is, at the present time, much less common in English gardens than it deserves to be. The branches are broad, triangular when young, flat when old, about 1 ft. long by 2 in. wide, with shallow incisions, the serrations rather sharply angled. The height of the plant is from 2 ft. to 3 ft. The flowers are produced on the margins of the young branches, and are composed of a short, thick tube, not more than 2 in. in le

AND VA

e are numerous hybrids and varieties, many of which are be

a selection of

kinds. Flowers fragrant, 6 in. across, resembling those of the night-bl

A compact plant, with numerous large, bri

ers full, deep scarlet,

sh hybrid, remarkable for its l

to 4 in. across; petals numerous,

very large, scarlet, tinged

haped, 4 in. across; sepals narrow, scarlet; pet

ut 5 in. across, flesh-coloured when firs

PHYLLOCAC

cross, almost flat when expanded; pet

n's).-Flowers medium in

e's).-Flowers large, wi

nn's).-Flowers purpl

having produced blossoms which measured 10 in. across; petals vi

us grandiflorus, 8 in. to 10 in. across, very fragr

wers with short, linear, incurved sepals; petals lo

e-flowered); Fig. 14.-Flowers 6 i

LOCACTUS ROSE

led; flowers large, sepals bright purple;

did).-Flowers 8 in.

ameter; sepals brown on the outside, yellow inside;