From Brazil comes the lovely Hippeastrum aulicum var. robustum.  Also called "Lily of the Palace", this regal Hippeastrum lives in rainforests, where it grows as an epiphyte in trees.  Its big, scarlet and green blooms sit atop 18 inch tall stems, which appear around Christmas time.  This rare robustum subspecies is, as the name suggests, very robust, and also easy to grow.

The plant is almost evergreen, shedding its leaves each Summer, and replacing them shortly after.  Even without blooms it is very ornamental, with lush, full foliage.  There is no need to "force" the bulb, since it doesn't have a long dormancy.  There are usually 2 flowers per scape, but occasionally more.  The bold blooms are 6 inch across.  They are overlaid with crimson veins, and have a lime green star in the center.  This is a true species, not a hybrid.  The plant hasn't made seeds for me, but it makes offsets fairly readily.  It can be crossed with some other Hippeastrums to create new hybrids.

The plant comes from a mild climate in Brazil, with temperatures similar to San Diego.  I believe it should do well in warmer areas such as Florida, although i am not certain.  Despite growing as an epiphyte in trees in the wild, it adapts well to pot cultivation.  A loose, airy medium is best.  A good soil mix is equal parts of fine grade orchid bark, pumice or perlite, and coir fiber or peat.  Add some slow-release fertilizer to the mix, or give regular, light feedings.  Give the plant regular water, but don't let the pot sit in water.  Filtered sun seems to be the best.  Some protection from strong afternoon sun is needed.  It also needs protection from frost.  Temperatures above 45 degrees F (7°C) are best, and over about 40% humidity.

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