Hippeastrum breviflorum
Hans-Werner Hammen (Sun, 02 Jul 2006 13:46:32 PDT)

Hello Stephen:

I regret that I do not possess this fine species knight star lily.
Nevertheles, I am absolute sure that no hippeastrum can be reliably grown in
standing water.
Concluding from my very best experiences, the most recent example being
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v215/…
(2 y seedlings of H.papilio x "Pink Floyd", 75% blooming - one with 3 scapes
à 4 flowers)
I strongly recommend pure coco fiber substrate (coco peat from dry coco
blocks)
Even more perfect with a thick layer of baken clay bullets (Seramis or
Lecaton) below.
Water but from the bottom, every 2nd -4th day, with lukewarm water,
including diluted mineral fertiilzer, rich in potassium, low in phosphorous,
for example 4.5-3-7.5 at 1 mL/L, and water applying very variable amounts
according to the actual demand. The uppermost cm's of the substrate should
remain dry - permanently.
The water transport through a Seramis layer proceeds slower, but finally no
water should remain in the soucoupe.

Good luck
Hans-Werner