Many of our medical people have not yet accepted that exposure to many of the poisons sprayed on land that is "conventionally" farmed can cause chronic health problems even though they recognize they can cause acute health problems. Exposure to more then one could cause a symbiotic relationship that is not healthy. That some people are more susceptible to adverse reactions to these poisons is also a known and if that person is exposed to more than one of these potential allergins can cause even larger problems. Unfortunately the only way to find put if a person is suscetible to any substance is to expose them to that substance. While an allergist can, and will, test someone for these types of allergies it will only be done if there is good reason to suspect there is a need. So alaria121 if you are still able to please update us on what, if anything has been found.

My apartment is very small, being the upper floor of a house, and it's filled year 'round with houseplants, and now bulbs! It really does resemble a small jungle! I actually have some space in a heated kennel attached to a garage that I could use for some seed starting, but I like to keep everything close so I can constantly monitor progress and moisture... I think there may be enough room in here to jam all my seed flats together... last fall, I bough a total of 4 mini-greenhouses for seed starting and bulbs, and only have two set up... if I start my seeds in succession, I should have enough room to keep them going until it's warm enough to begin hardening them off outside... It's just a little crowded with 3 dogs, the husband, 2 computer desks, plus all the other normal things you'd find in a small apartment! It's really more of a studio apartment, having no separate rooms except the bathroom. I've already given up my crafting table to bulbs! What I need is to figure out a way to have shelves in front of the windows, and to invest in a better light set-up. I just need to save a little money for good lights. Actually, I've done fairly well with the small space I have... I envy those that live in the south, although I'm not sure I'm ready for hurricanes! The threat of tornadoes is quite enough to live with! Anna - your place probably looks much like mine in early spring! Flats and pots everywhere! Barely room to navigate through the house, or in my case, the apartment! But it's all so much fun and so rewarding... I wouldn't give up gardening for anything!

Archoo, Continue to water and fertilize your plant and leave it in front of your south facing glass door. Perfect spot for it until the temps warm considerably. It must be much warmer than just the word spring before you put it outside for the summer. When it goes outside in a month or two, continue to feed and water it until early fall. The leaves must continue to grow to nourish your bulb so it will bloom again. If you want your bulb to bloom for the holidays then check back to the forum and then ask what to do next fall. Otherwise, you can allow your bulb to grow as an evergreen, bringing it back in the house when the nights get below 40 degrees F and it will bloom on it's own when it's ready, maybe in Feb, or March of next year. Donna

I used to grow these. If you give them more light (natural or fluorescent), they'll grow a bit shorter, and therefore, sturdier and balanced. Otherwise, they'll grow tall and have a tendency to tip over. After they bloom, cut off the bloom stalk, and allow the foliage to grow. For this, steady and regulated light is necessary, whether inside or outside. If you want blooms at Christmas, you would force a dormancy by withholding water, starting around the second week in August. You would place the pot in a dark, cool basement or a garage that doesn't freeze, and you would allow it about a 10-12 week rest. Some people will tip the pot on its side so they remember not to water. Once the leaves have died back, they can be removed. After the 10-12 weeks, check the bulb ... there may some bud growth at this point. In any case, bring it back into a warm, bright room and water it. You should see growth begin shortly. The natural bloom cycle of a Hippeastrum takes place in spring, so if you choose not to force a dormancy, you can grow your bulb like a houseplant, giving it as much light as possible, and feeding and watering as it requires. With good care, your bulb should bloom in spring. It may not bloom the first spring following purchase, but if conditions are right, the following spring should bring blooms. Then replant in refreshed soil, and the bulb should bloom in about 12 weeks. PS. Keep a plant pest spray on hand for the fungus gnats. This post was edited by aegis500 on Mon, Nov 24, 14 at 18:20