In my experience, Placea seed germinate best at 40 F/4 C. If you sow them at room temperature (70 F/20 C), you will see no germination. My recommendation is to sow them on the surface of moist vermiculite in a clear, covered container. Put the container in the refrigerator and check it weekly to make sure the vermiculite doesn't dry out. You should see germination within two months -- but it could take longer. After the seeds germinate (i.e. throw out a root), plant them just below the surface of a gritty compost (e.g. 25% organic, 75% grit). Here's where things get tricky for me. They don't seem to do well at warm temperatures, say 70 F/20 C. I'd recommend a growing temperature of 50-60 F (10-16 C). One interesting thing I've noticed: unlike Placea, Rhodophiala seed germinate best at 70 F (20 C). I've noticed this with several Chilean species as well as with R. bifida. Store any unsown Placea (and Rhodophiala) seed in the refrigerator. I've had good germination from year old seed stored this way. Good luck! Eugene Zielinski Augusta, GA USA > [Original Message] > From: Josh Young > To: PBS List <pbs@lists.ibiblio.org> > Date: 9/23/2010 8:30:26 PM > Subject: [pbs] Placea ornata Germination > > Hi Guys, > > I have recently received seed of Placea ornata and I've heard they're > tricky to germinate, does anyone have any advice or experience with these? > > Thanks > Josh > Anderson IN > > > > _______________________________________________ > pbs mailing list > pbs@lists.ibiblio.org > http://pacificbulbsociety.org/list.php > http://pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/