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Houseplants
plant careHouseplant CareTropical Gardening
CommentsAmaryllis
Tropical PlantAmaryllisTropical Plants
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| Amaryllis |
| Hippeastrum |
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| Hippeastrum (amaryllis) - Amaryllis The amaryllis is a tender, flowering bulb, originally from the Andes Mountains of Chile and Peru. The plant was named after a shepherdess in Greek mythology. The word actually means "sparkling" and refers to the attractive bloom. The amaryllis was discovered in 1828 by Eduard Frederich Poeppig, a young physician from Leipzig, on a plant hunting expedition in Chile. Such was Poeppig's delight with his own discovery that he was, in the words of a biographer, "often compelled to relieve his full heart by uttering loud shouts of joy, to which his faithful dog and sole companion and witness of his delight responded with howls of equal delight." Amaryllis bulbs are usually available in the fall and in Saskatchewan are treated as houseplants. The amaryllis is a large plant, growing 46-60 cm (18-24 in.), with blooms 10-15 cm (4-6in.) wide. Colors range from pure white to salmon, pink, and red. Bulbs can be brought into bloom from late fall until early spring, blooming from 6-8 weeks after planting. Given proper treatment, they will continue to bloom for several years, usually in winter. ){kind=small} Potting Purchase large, firm bulbs which show only the scars or stubs of old foliage, but no new leaves. Use a light, well-drained potting mixture containing some peat moss. The pot itself should have good drainage and be about 8-10 cm (3-4 in.) wider than the bulb. The potting mixture should be about 3 cm (1 in.) below the rim of the pot (for ease of watering), and about 1/3 of the bulb should show above the soil level. Firm the soil and water well. Care Place the pot with the amaryllis bulb in a sunny, warm room. Day temperatures should be 18-25C. Night temperatures can be 5-10 degrees cooler. Water sparingly until the first shoots appear. Once growth begins, water whenever the soil is dry - making sure it is evenly moist but not overly wet. Turning the pot every few days will keep the foliage growth balanced. Varieties with extra large blooms might need staking. Fertilize with a "complete" water-soluble houseplant fertilizer once a month while the plants is in active growth, remembering that it is better to underfertilize than to overfertilize. A complete fertilizer is one such as 20-20-20, which contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. A good houseplant fertilizer should also contain trace elements (sometimes called "micronutrients") such as iron and magnesium. The current year's bloom will be nourished by the bulb itself. But good nutrition will ensure large, healthy bulbs (and blooms) for future years. Flowering Once the flower buds are ready to open, the pot can be moved to a different location, one which is cooler and has less direct light. This will both prolong flowering and bring out the brilliant colors of the amaryllis. Remove the flowers as they fade. This prevents seed formation, which diverts food from the bulb itself. Aftercare When the blooming period is over, place the pot in a sunny, well-ventilated position. Water and feed regularly to promote vigorous foliage. Food manufactured in the leaves will enlarge and feed the bulb (which shrinks as a result of flowering). If properly cared for, amaryllis bulbs should increase 1-2 cm (.3-.7 in.) in size each year. Bulbs may be placed outdoors in a semi-shaded location during the summer as long as they are protected from spring and fall frosts. Bring the amaryllis indoors in September when the leaves have died. Store in a cool (12C), dry location out of direct light until signs of growth reappear. These conditions will reduce moisture loss from the bulb. Discontinue watering and feeding during this period to prevent rot. Regrowth In about 2 months new growth will appear. At this time it is advisable to gently remove and replenish the top 3 cm (1 in.) of potting mixture, mixing it with a teaspoon of bone meal. Take care not to disturb the roots or damage the new shoot. Place the pot in a warm, sunny position and continue watering and fertilizing as before. An amaryllis bulb may need repotting every 3 or 4 years as the bulb increases in diameter, but a slightly "pot-bound" amaryllis will do well as long as it is adequately fed. Propagation Off-sets of bulbs can be removed and potted separately, but might take 2 years (or 4 leaves) to produce flowers. Amaryllis plants can also be grown from seed. Although seed from your own plants will seldom breed true, seed can be readily ordered from seed catalogues or purchased at garden centers. Sow seeds on their sides indoors at any season, maintaining a soil temperature of 21-23C during germination, which takes 4-6 weeks. Problems Under conditions of poor drainage, fungal diseases and rot can develop, but these are unusual. Spider mites and mealy bugs can also be a problem, but generally amaryllis plants rarely suffer from pests or disease. Cultivars Early flowering cultivar are usually in bloom for Christmas. The later flowering types will bloom in January and February. "Royal Velvet" is both early and enormous. The flowers are a deep red and fully 25 cm (10 in.) across. "White Christmas" belies its name as it will usually not come into flower until January. But it makes a lovely Christmas gift. It provides pristine white blooms with thick petals that have an almost waxy appearance. "Apple blossom" is more subtle, with white flowers blotched with soft pink and a minty green throat. It is said to produce 2 scopes (stems) each with 4 or 5 20-cm (8-in.) blooms. It is an early type. "Peppermint Stick" is also early, pure white swirled with cardinal red-perfect for Christmas. Amaryllis gracilis - is a compact but profusely flowering species with flowers somewhat smaller than the hybrids mentioned above. It is the "original" amaryllis which was first used as a houseplant in the 19th century. It will produce several stems 45 cm (18in.) high with clusters of flowers 10 cm (4 in) in diameter with slightly pointed petals. "Pamela" is an orangy red, while "Donau" is a dark pink. So why not try an amaryllis this fall? Bulbs can be planted at intervals from September to February to ensure bloom until May. ){kind=small} Hardy Red Amaryllis= Amaryllis belladonna "Kimberly"= Amaryllis Belladonna "White Queen"= Get your Amaryllis blooming again= |
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