Hi Jim: "Alberto, when I read "insulation" my first thought was insulation against >heat. But as I read on, I realize that you mean insulation to retain heat." It is because the thread is on Hippeastrums, that demand warm conditions for as long as possible. Their supposed or actual hardiness is something very different. They come from hot parts of the wiorld. Styrofoam boxes (widely used in the States for carrying living fish) are also excellent for insulating plants against sun. Using pot color to advantange is completely overlooked. I use both white and black containers depending on the plant and it is almost incredible the temperature difference in either when placed side to side in full sun. "I've cooked many a plant by trying to grow it in a black plastic pot in full >sun. >What are some good techniques for keeping pots in full sun from getting too >hot?" Mix in styrofoam containers in full sun does not get overheated. WHITE plastic pots or containers are also superb. BIGGER containers take longer to heat up. Plunging material is good to insulate pots. If it is clear if will disperse heat. If is dark (ideally BLACK) it will act as a heat trpa. Rock is also very good to retain heat. A greenhouse can be turned into a heat trap if part of the ground is replaced by a crushed rock bed. I have used a charcoal layer as a heat trap in frames with fantastic results. In your case, I would move to white containers. Many plants like Boophane, Brunsvigia, Tulbaghias, Amaryllis, Trimezias, Drimia, african "Scillas" and lots others need to be "roasted" to grow on and flower. All the best Alberto _________________________________________________________________ Charla con tus amigos en línea mediante MSN Messenger: http://messenger.latam.msn.com/