Another view...

From the bottom...

I just posted this in another thread... the link below is to a great discussion on basal plates and how they should be treated.

As bulbs age and grow bigger, the basal plate also grows and thickens. It can actually prevent decent roots from forming if it's too thick and has too much dead tissue attached. In the link, Maria explains how she takes care of aging, thickened basal plates on Hippeastrum bulbs.

Enjoy!

Here is a link that might be useful: Basal Plate Discussion

I did the basil plate surgery. I'll post and update when I see how it turns out. Should I complain to the vendor about the condition of this bulb?

I did the basil plate surgery. I'll post and update when I see how it turns out. Should I complain to the vendor about the condition of this bulb?

Personally, I wouldn't bother; I have seen far worse overgrown basal plates than that one and the rest of the bulb seems to be healthy and they are only selling what they are given by their distributor but you could try if you want. It doesn't hurt to try I guess.

Donnaâºâº

Bulb looks fine to me. Realize some of them have been out of the ground for months now. I did see that it looked like you have some offsets coming, so just be careful what you cut!!
;-)
K

Yes... do be careful of the offsets. It can take years for bulbs to grow that thick of a basal plate. Be patient post surgery when watching for roots to begin forming. It might take a while, but in the long run I think it will help the bulb to remain healthy and viable.

If you want to complain to the retail outlet, do so... but I wouldn't hold my breath. Like Kristi says, they are often just selling what their suppliers send them. Who knows, though... they might feel inclined to offer a credit, or something. It can't hurt to try.

Remember sellers are basically guaranteeing that:
1) Bulbs grow
2) Bulbs bloom
3) Blooms resemble the photo as represented

So, reasons to ask for replacement or credit include (but are not limited to):
1) Bulb was frozen and turns to mush prompty!
2) Bulb is infected/infested with obvious disease upon receipt
3) Bulb doesn't grow
4) Bloom doesn't look anything like the named hybrid you bought!

There are more reasons, but these are the basics.

Remember, if you are going to ask for a replacement bulb, be sure to document the problem with photos and provide those at the time you make your complaint.

Kristi

This post was edited by kaboehm on Thu, Nov 6, 14 at 19:00

I think I won't bother the vendor with this one at this point. If it doesn't grow, it may well be my fault since it was first attempt at any kind of surgery.

The good news is that there seem to be little bumps emerging on some of the tiny circles on the outer ring of the bottom of the bulb. Am I right that these could be the start of new roots? I had bought some rooting powder, but if roots are already forming, I may just not bother with it. I was also thinking of putting it on the grow mat that I use to germinate seeds, but again, if it is already forming roots, should I just leave it alone?

bumps on basal plate likely = roots. Did you dust the plate with any antifungal??
YAY YOU!
K