Hi Mike!

First things first....Know what that particular specie "as a plant" wants or required in it's natural growing conditions. Some species like it cool, some like it warm. Some species like it humid but airy, some like it dry. Although they are all Hippeastrums, they do have different needs sometimes.

The seeds/seedlings would most of the time require the same conditions that the parents need to survive.

One reason why I shy away from most species is I cannot provide them what they need here in my growing conditions. Most of them would dry out in my winter growing conditions. My very first specie was a plain old puniceum. And I killed the poor thing. Ughhh!!!

Good luck!!!

I'm thinking about buying seeds from Brazilplants.com they have a couple of interesting species there. I'd do it like Maria and first check for the natural conditions these species are exposed to in their habitat. But these don't have to be the ideal conditions. Most plants conquer certain ecological niches because they are competitive against other plants there, not because they are growing optimally under these conditions.

In general I'd recommend to float the seeds in water you're changing regularly, at least twice a week. Put them in airy substrate, don't overfloat them with water and give them some heat from below.

where did you get the seeds from Mike?

I received my species seeds from Mauro at Brazil Plants as well. I floated 6 different species and received 90-100% germination with all of them. Blossfeldiae and Morelianum took longer to germinate than the rest but the ones that did germinate faster are already growing outside in separate pots. Wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be.

dancatci -

I don't have the seeds yet. I placed an order for seeds, and yes, I placed it with Mauro of BrazilPlants but he hasn't confirmed my order at this point...so...I was *reluctant* to mention his name. I just placed the order, so I'm not worried; it appears Mauro has a terrific reputation.

I'm really glad to hear your experience went well.

I'm doing research, as mariava7 suggested and I'm trying to set up a proper system/environment when and if I receive the seeds.

In the past I have not sprayed seedlings (with fungicide), and consequently, I've lost many to rot/damping off. And to be honest, (with the typical hybrid seeds) I wasn't controlling the environment (moisture, humidity, sunlight, etc.) very well.

My plants are grown outside and we had a really volatile fall/winter here. I'm thinking March-April (here) is probably my best "germination window."

Mike