Wisley Handbooks
4 total works
This is a new edition of Bill Wall's original Wisley Handbook, "Bromeliads", which has been fully revised and retitled to take account of the growing interest in air plants, as the xerophytic "Tillandsia" are called. Bromeliads are exotic, flowering plants for the greenhouse, conservatory and house, with a spectacular range of flowers and foliage. This book describes the most popular and provides all the information needed to cultivate and propagate them successfully. It describes selected species and hybrids in detail, with special attention to their horticultural requirements.
In their many forms, cacti flower profusely and often fragrantly. This work gives explanations of how to cultivate and how to propagate cacti by seed, cuttings and offsets, and how to control pests and diseases. There is advice on watering, light and temperature requirements and the preparation of suitable composts. Included is a directory of epiphytic and desert cacti for easy identification and notes on characteristics and origins. It details shape, flower colour and special features of a variety of cacti, all suitable for cultivation by the ordinary gardener or the collector.
Succulents are decorative, adaptable plants, often exotic in flower and habit. They are found in almost every part of the world where natural conditions are adverse, from northern Europe to tropical and sub-tropical regions in Africa and the Americas. Many species are relatively hardy, and can be grown successfully outdoors in a sunny, well drained position, but all are capable of withstanding long periods of drought. They store moisture in their leaves, stem or rootstock, which gives them their typically "fleshy" appearance. In this illustrated handbook the author shows how to cultivate succulents. The majority of them can be grown as houseplants, best in bright light, out of any draughts and kept in a minimum temperature of 13C. Greenhouse cultivation is ideal for succulents, especially the larger ones, and propagation readily achieved by seed, cuttings and offsets. A directory of succulents includes some of the more unusual ones well worth hunting for, and describes the plants in detail, noting eventual size, full flowering characteristics and any special requirements. Plants that are both widely obtainable and easily cultivated are specially recommended for the beginner.
Notes on pests and diseases and an index of genera complete this introduction to the world of succulents.
Notes on pests and diseases and an index of genera complete this introduction to the world of succulents.