Page:The Amateur's Greenhouse and Conservatory.djvu/232

214 can be grown in a very short time. It is one of the best window plants in existence, as it will grow freely in the most unfavorable quarters. The cuttings are most easy to strike, and after they are potted off singly will soon form fine specimens without any stopping or training. They are by no means particular as to what they are potted in, but the most suitable compost is one consisting of turfy loam, leaf-mould, and silver sand in equal parts. The amateur who has no partiality for succulent plants may safely adopt the purple leaved variety of Sempervivum arboreum, for it is one of the noblest greenhouse plants in cultivation, and with very little care will in a few years grow to the stature of a man and produce pyramids of yellow flowers in the early spring. To be safe from frost is enough for it all the winter, and to be out of doors in the full sun all the summer will contribute to its welfare.

.—This genus produces exquisitely beautiful flowers which are elaborately pencilled, but have no other attractions, and emit the unpleasant odour of tainted meat. A sandy soil must be provided for them, and a warm position all the winter.