Hippeastrum Acquisition Syndrome
Mike Rummerfield (Tue, 10 Jan 2017 18:25:36 PST)

I, also, can sympathize with those afflicted with Hippeastrum Acquisition
Syndrome. I do not grow (many) Hippeastrum, but I do grow another
Amaryllid, namely Clivia. Clivia growers can be subject to a related
syndrome - Clivia Fever. I have been afflicted myself.

From my experience I extend a note of warning to PBS menmbers: I went to
my doctor (a specialist in Cliviology) with a fever. He diagnosed it as
Clivia Fever and said there is no known cure for it. It can lead to fits
of delirium; to heightened states of grandiosity when you are convinced,
absolutely convinced, that you have just hybridized the greatest Clivia of
all time; to sudden outbursts of uncontrollable, ecstatic dancing
(especially at 'first bloom'); to the incessant checking in on your plants
a multitude of times during the day, and in advanced cases, during the
night, ("Let's see... it's been *at least* 3 or 4 minutes since I last
checked this one... I think I see.... well, maybe not...wait... do I detect
the tiniest bit of growth?... OH, JOY!!!") and to uncontrolled hoarding,
when, beyond all reason, you collect and grow more Clivia than you have
space, energy, or time for. This can lead to further complications -
consult your doctor.

It is contagious and I fear there are others in the PBS, beside myself, who
suffer from (or rejoice in) this malady, knowingly or not. Though to be
fair to all, I suspect I was blighted with Clivia Fever before I joined
PBS. I repeat, there is no known cure. Be forewarned!

Should you develop a case of Clivia Fever (almost inevitable) do not expect
sympathy or anything other than bewilderment and clucks from friends and
family. You will only be understood by other Clivia enthusiasts, with whom
you can commiserate. Take heart!
.
To your health!

Regards,
Anonymous (for obvious reasons)

*NOTE -- A possible cure for Clivia Fever has just recently been found.
The cure is 'more Clivia'. It is not yet quite understood how this works,
but is promising news.
In the meantime, to be on the safe side, it is recommended to get your
annual Clivia Fever vaccine - see your local Cliviologist.

On Tue, Jan 10, 2017 at 3:40 PM, Karl Church <64kkmjr@gmail.com> wrote: