I have often been asked what the 'secret' is to growing bulbs,especially ones that can be reluctant to bloom. While potting mix is very important, and providing an environment as close to the climate it grows in is critical, I would say patience is the most important ingredient. Sometimes I have waited many, many years for a bulb to bloom, but eventually it does happen.
I have had a bulb labeled Hippeastrum glaucescens for some years, and it finally has rewarded me with a flower. I was a bit puzzled since the flower did not resemble pictures on the internet and scholarly articles on Hippeastrum are few and far between, so identifying a bulb can be problematic. I posted on the blog under H. glaucescens and a kind reader corrected me and says it is Hippeastrum psittacinum, also a very welcome species!
The name means parrot like, referring to the brilliant coloring. It is from Brazil and grows in full sun to partial shade. I have kept mine on my heated benches, and that was a lucky guess!