While on the subject of floatation for flat black amaryllid seed, here's my experience with Paramongaia and Cyrtanthus. One by one I floated some Paramongaia weberbaueri seed on water. Many molded. Of those that did not mold, many sprouted and then molded. Of those that sprouted and did not mold and then produced green shoots and then were potted up into sandy soil, all molded. So, I wound up with none out of about ten seeds, of which about 6 had actually sprouted. I have success with Hippeastrum hybrids and Cyrtanthus using this method. Too late, my source for Paramongaia seed told me she just plants the seeds in moist soil, and they sprout and grow. I haven't had any trouble with shoots breaking. I use either a tool sold for plucking eyebrows which I also use for plucking hair from my dog's ears (NOT the kind with a pair of long curved jaws, and NO, I DON'T USE THEM ON MY OWN EYEBROWS EVER!) or a surgical clamp. I pick up the seed by the flat winged part, staying well away from the thick embryo. I set the sprout in a slit in sand for Hippeastrum (note it is spelled with a U not an O) and coir for Cyrtanthus. But then I have steady hands and great eyesight. Be sure to wait for the green leaf to be well along before transplanting; I have lost most seeds I transplanted when just the white shoot was showing, even if the shoot had been very big. Leo -- Leo A. Martin Phoenix, Arizona, USA Like cactus and succulents? Central Arizona Cactus and Succulent Society http://www.centralarizonacactus.org/