----- Original Message ----- From: "C.J. Teevan" <gardenstreet184@yahoo.com> I do not personally have any trouble with Amaryllis but my cultivation does not seem much different from his. I do not overwater, I rarely fertilize except with some amending Bonemeal for the potting soil which is once every 3 or 4 years. One thing that could be a possibility is that there is an insect infestation of the basal plate. I have had a larvae of some sort of bug that eats through the basal plate and causes the "shrinking effect" effect you have described, the healthy looking leaves and all. If the bulbs are taken out of the pots in the fall and the basal plate inspected you may see a tiny hole in the basal plate. If the bulb is split you can find the larvae inside the bulb eating away. I have not seen the adult of this larvae, but it will kill a bulb in a few seasons. I would also suggest putting the bulbs in as much sun as possible during the summer months. Sorry, but I do not remember the name of the bug that I am writing about and I am not saying that it is the problem, but I have had the problem with the larvae and know of its capabilities first hand. I am sure that others on the list can give the name of the menace. I have been growing Amaryllis hybrids in my USDA zone 5 summer gardens for a number of years and this pest is the only significant problem I have had with them. I get reliable blooming from mine with the pot year round method, but the soil is changed every few years and fertilizer is used a couple of times during the growing season. I have to admit that I do not have good habits when it comes to fertilizing. If they are hit two times a summer they are lucky. I have found that the drainage is more necessary than anything else especially when they are being grown in the house. Once outside they can withstand just about anything nature throws at them, but under house lighting they tend to develop root problems rather quickly. Hopefully, this will give another perspective to consider. Glen Pace Pace Gardens Clio, MI USA