This email contains no facebook-related content... 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