Hippeastrum neopardinum:
Hippeastrum neopardinum is a magnificent species from Peru, with pink petals lightly netted with a deeper color. I have the pure species, but the picture here is from a cross from seeds that I obtained from a friend. They came labeled H. neopardinum x sp., so I don't know the other parent. It is close to the pure species, and my H. neopardinum have not bloomed for me yet. This has not been difficult for me, growing in Mix #1, but I do grow the species on the heated benches, and grow the hybrids on my regular benches, and I do not see much difference in their growth.
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Hippeastrum papilio:
Hippeastrum papilio is an outstanding species from southern Brazil. It is often available from the growers of hybrid Hippeastrum, since it hardly needs any improvement, but it has been used as a parent for some hybrids. This has been very easy for me, growing in Mix #1 and needing no extra heat.
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Hippeastrum parodii:
Hippeastrum parodii is from arid regions of Argentina and Bolivia where it endures hot dry conditions. This species needs extra heat year round, and I grow my bulbs in Mix #3, but I also have some in pure pumice. Growing with too much organic material or moisture will encourage rotting. I have them in fairly large pots, and they have preferred to pull themselves below the surface of the potting mix, unlike most of my Hippeastrums that grow with the bulb exposed. They have a long dormancy, from mid-autumn through winter, emerging in late spring. Given the right conditions, they are not difficult, and they bloom regularly with me and set seed from their own pollen.
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Hippeastrum petiolatum:
From Argentina, Hippeastrum petiolatum is a smaller species with brilliant orangey-scarlet flowers. I grow it in Mix #1, and do not give it extra heat.
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Hippeastrum puniceum:
Somewhat similar to H. petiolatum, this smaller species is said to be widespread in tropical South America. I have not given it extra heat, and it seems to do well without it, and I grow it in Mix #1. I also have a double form of this little species, but it has not yet bloomed for me.
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A reader asked me to comment on light requirements for my Hippeastrum species. I grow them in very large greenhouses that have a double film of plastic and are shaded with cloth made out of woven aluminum (this material is called Aluminet, and is more to reflect sun and reduce temperatures rather than provide shade). The light in my greenhouses, therefore, is very even and diffuse. I provide a little extra shade for some species that are near the south end wall of the greenhouse since they have suffered sunburn on the leaves on very bright days. I think most of the species I grow, not including H. parodii and H. argentinum, need diffuse filtered light. Those from conditions that are near desert like these two species will not be harmed by direct sunlight. Air circulation, as in all greenhouses, is very important, and my greenhouses have automatic fans to circulate air. My greenhouses are very large commercial type greenhouses, so if you have a smaller 'hobby' type greenhouse, it is imperative you have fans circulating the air, probably 24 hours a day. If you want to see pictures of the Aluminet, go to Greenhouse Tips and scroll down. This is much better material than conventional shade cloth since it doesn't heat up itself, and reflects the light back.