The ominous looking bulb and the sophisticated bloom of the
Amaryllis may intimidate some indoor gardeners. Yet, these holiday
treats are as easy as Paperwhites to grow. After their blooms are
gone, their care is as easy as Indoor Foliage and they like to be
repeat performers! So lets take a look at growing this holiday
special.
Probably the hardest part is making a decision on the
color to choose. Amaryllis come in shades of red, pink, white, salmon or
striped. Once you have the bulb, choose a pot that is slightly wider (1’) than
the bulb. The top of the bulb needs to be 1/3 above the soil level and the roots
need several inches of soil below to grow. Make sure the pot is deep enough and
has holes for drainage. Clay pots are ideal because the weight helps to balance
the blooming plant. Use a well-drained soil for potting. Just add water, warmth
and sunshine (4 hours), and you’re on your way.
Roots of the Amaryllis do not like to be soggy, so let
the soil dry slightly between waterings. About every 4th watering
give it a general-purpose fertilizer (15-30-15). Growth of the bud stalks
precedes the foliage and in 6 –8 weeks it should be in bloom. Once it begins
blooming, remove from direct sun and put it in a cooler location to extend its
bloom time. Remove the blooms that wilt with age.
After it’s done blooming remove the bloom stalks only,
leaving the foliage for vital photosynthetic functions. Return to warmth and
sun; treat it as a Indoor Foliage. With time, leaves may begin to yellow, some
or all of the leaves may fall off signaling dormancy. Move to a cooler (45 – 50
degrees), darker location and cut back on the water. (Do not allow it to
freeze!)
The bulb should stay dormant 10 – 12 weeks before
trying to revitalize it. After the bulb has been allowed to "rest", bring it
back to warmth, water and sunshine. (If growth appears before the dormant period
is up, move it back into more hospitable conditions.) If you want to change
pots, do it right after it’s done blooming or at the end of the dormant period.
Easy enough! The cycle begins again!
For any questions you have on this article, or any
topic of concern, email us—or better yet, come by and talk to one of our
professional staff members.
Remember,
Phelan Gardens is open year-round!
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