Hippeastrum glaucescens
Nicholas plummer (Sun, 20 Oct 2013 10:56:45 PDT)

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Thanks to everyone who responded to my question about Zephyranthes last
week. Since there were multiple bulbs in the pots that I purchased, I
have decided to try some of the bulbs in the ground and some in pots
protected from frost.

Now, here's a question about Hippeastrum. I recently obtained seed of
several Hippeastrum species, including H. glaucescens, and am germinating
them by floating the seed on water. The first H. glaucescens seed has
germinated, and I am wondering what sort of mix to use. My understanding
is that it comes from fairly arid caatinga habitat, and some photos show it
growing beside cactuses. Should I give it a lean, mostly inorganic mix
like I use for pachypodiums and other succulents?

I also obtained seed of H. aulicum and H. calyptratum at the same time and
find it interesting that almost 100% of the two epiphytic species
germinated in less than a week. Only 1 H. glaucescens seeds has germinated
so far, and 0 10 H. psittacinum, though I sowed equal numbers of seeds. Of
course, I have no idea how old the various batches of seeds are, but I
wonder if the epiphytic species are adapted for more rapid germination in
an environment that might not stay constantly moist.

Nick Plummer
Durham, NC, USA. Zone 7