The fleshy layers of the bulb underneath these patches should be white and free of markings. Water and fertilize as noted above in. Fill the pot about half full with sterile, new potting soil high in organic matter such as peat moss. How to Care for a Potted Amaryllis Amaryllis bulbs are often given as gifts for the holidays, later producing their large, spectacular flowers to brighten the recipient's home or office. The foliage of infested plants may become wilted, yellow and distorted and the plant will eventually die. Plant specs. Continue this process as long as the bulb produces blooms. They are becoming a popular holiday gift. Each bulb usually produces 2-3 stems and 4-6 flowers per stem. Bulbs should be firm and dry with no signs of mold, decay or injury. It is important that the temperature remain at 50 to 55 degrees to simulate the natural growing conditions of the amaryllis bulb. They add dramatic color to homes and gardens and make wonderful gifts to gardeners from beginners to experts. The amaryllis bulb is prized by gardeners because it is easy to plant and replant after a short dormant period. The maggot larvae feed in the outer scales of the bulb and eventually work their way into the interior of the bulb. It's amazing how easy it is to achieve spectacular results! Whether the first bulb or the fiftieth, there is high anticipation for the plant owner when the large, bright green bud emerges from a beefy amaryllis bulb! Keeping the plant healthy and growing throughout the summer will promote blooming later in the season. The secret to keeping amaryllis thriving for years is to keep the plants actively growing AFTER they have finished blooming. However, the amaryllis bulbs we commonly purchase and grow as houseplants are hybrids of the genus Hippeastrum and are native to Central and South America. The best time to repot them is after they have gone through a dormant period. Pack the soil gently around the bulb so approximately one-third of the bulb remains above the soil line. Hippeastrum spp., commonly known as the amaryllis, is a common holiday plant from the tropics of South America. Heavy pots are preferable because lightweight pots may tip over under the weight of the blooms. Typically grown on the West Coast, the bulbs send up or two leafless stems in late summer, each bearing a cluster of two to 12 funnel-shaped flowers, usually white with crimson veins, but … Plants that are outdoors should be brought indoors in mid-September. 2. Others keep the plant from year to year. Amaryllis Quick Tips: Planting Period: October until the end of April. Then store the potted bulb on its side in a cool, dark room or basement to rest for 8 to 10 weeks. It is grown as a potted plant in most parts of the United States but can also be grown outdoors year round in Florida. After the flowers fade, cut off the flower stalk with a sharp knife. After that initial drink, water your bulb only when the top 1″ inch of the potting mix is dry to the touch. © However, this disease is not usually fatal to the plant. Wipe pruners and stakes used on infected plants with alcohol. The bloom resembles a lily but is actually related to the daffodil. ; When the leaves start to appear, you should add a liquid feed to the water, such as Miracle-Gro, once a week.This is an essential step if you want your amaryllis to flower again the next year. Amaryllis bulbs are available about 6 to 8 weeks before the bloom is ready to grow, and they need a constant temperature of 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Amaryllis plants grow better in containers, which also protect against burrowing animals and insects. Seed formation will deplete important energy reserves in the bulb and reduce blooming. If the bulb is not already potted when purchased, one should choose a pot about half-again as wide as the bulb. So easy to grow, amaryllis bulbs are the perfect go-to gift. Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) plants are typically purchased around the Christmas holiday and discarded after the blooms have withered, but if the proper steps are taken they can continue to bloom for many years. Watering & Sunlight Needs of an Amaryllis Plant, Purdue University Agriculture Department: Amaryllis -- Reblooming, Amaryllis Bulb Company: Amaryllis Planting and Care, Clemson University Cooperative Extension: Amaryllis. Amaryllis Care. How to Move Narcissus Bulbs From Inside to Outside, I Moved My Hyacinth Outside & It's Losing Leaves and Not Blooming. Like the Christmas cactus, another favorite, this tropical beauty thrives indoors with minimal care and flaunts spectacular long-lasting winter flowers. Remember to protect tabletops from moisture or water damage by placing potted amaryllis on pot saucers or plates set on a waterproof coaster or cork pad. It is not necessary to remove the amaryllis from the pot. Water and fertilize as noted above in After-flowering care.Â. Red blotch (Stagonospora curtissi) is a fungus disease that may affect both the appearance and the health of amaryllis plants. Amaryllis Care Instructions. What to do: Because control is difficult, it is best to destroy any infested bulbs as soon as the narcissus bulb fly is identified. Replace the top 1/2 inch of soil in the pot and water the bulb one time. Do not water during this time. Choosing Amaryllis. The large bell-shaped or lily-like flowers of the amaryllis (Hippeastrum species) and its hybrids make excellent garden and potted plants.They are available in a wide range of flower colors including red, white, pink, orange, salmon or bicolored and typically have two to six flowers per stalk. Mix and match from our selection of longtime favorites and new varieties, all ready to burst into bloom. If your amaryllis is not already potted, plant each amaryllis bulb in a 6-8" pot. Continue to fertilize monthly with an all-purpose houseplant or indoor plant fertilizer. When Does the Lily of the Valley Bloom Outdoors? Water the plant when the top 2 inches of soil feels dry, allowing the container to drain freely each time. Continue to water and fertilize the plant regularly with an all-purpose houseplant plant fertilizer. These leaves will promote photosynthesis. One of the most impressive Amaryllis group is the Double Flowering Amaryllis group with flowers up to 8-10 in (20-25 cm). When the stem emerges from the bulb, it needs water once a week. A quick turn of the pot keeps the stem straight as it grows. Let the leaves become brown and dry before cutting them off. F. Amaryllis-One of a Kind Of all flowering bulbs, amaryllis ar If new growth appears during this time, remove the potted bulb from the dark location and place in a sunny window. This process will force the plant to bloom providing the bulb has sufficient energy to produce a flower stalk. The disease is often difficult to diagnose because superficial small red or pink patches may appear on the outside of healthy bulbs. It's usually available in bulb or plant form. The soil is evenly moist but not wet. It is common to see new growth (leaves, buds) emerging from bare or planted bulbs. She is currently enrolled at Kent State University completing her bachelor's degree in English. This will help build up nutrients in the bulb for flower production the next year. Hippeastrum spp., commonly known as the amaryllis, is a common holiday plant from the tropics of South America. Some varieties are bicolor such as purple and green, or picotee (having petals with a different edge color). The larger the bulb, the more flowers it will have. It is grown here in Florida as a potted plant, growing well indoors, or it … Select the largest bulbs available for the desired plant variety as they will produce more stalks and blooms in the first year. Whether purchasing a bare bulb to plant or bulbs planted in a pot, the size and condition of bulbs will influence amaryllis performance. Amaryllis Care Instructions for the First Flowering. However, it is possible to save the amaryllis and force it to flower on an annual basis. Julie Richards is a freelance writer from Ohio. Of course, many people choose to continue growing the plant indoors, but it may come as a pleasant surprise to know that in warmer climes, up to USDA Zone 7b, planting amaryllis outside in the garden is an option too. Our Amaryllis bulbs ordered online arrive either bareroot which you can plant into your own pots, as part of kits that can be assembled at home, or pre-potted in baskets and a wide range of pots and cachepots, depending on the variety. Ongoing Care for Amaryllis After flowering, cut back the flower stems to 2 inches high but don't remove the leaves. Select a sunny location on a deck or patio for your potted amaryllis, or just sink the entire pot into the soil in a sunny garden bed. It will continue to grow long, smooth leaves. They require repotting only every 3 or 4 years. Should I bring them inside now or wait for the yellow leaves like other bulbs? Potted Amaryllis For a gift that is sure to impress, please see our selection of Potted Amaryllis Featuring some yearly favorites and many exciting new choices, including many holiday themed containers ideal for holiday gift giving. The narcissus bulb fly (Merodon spp.) Leave the potted bulb in the dark for 8 to 12 weeks. If found, treat with a fungicide or consider throwing away the bulb. Always store un-planted bulbs in a cool place between 40-50 deg. Amaryllis flowers range from 4 to 10 inches in size and can be either single or double in form. But bloom time can be controlled by allowing the bulb go dormant (stop growing) for a period of time. The bulbs can be planted either way, as garden plants or potted plants. This is an easy care plant - it doesn't like to be fussed over. Amaryllis plants, due to their large flowers and ease of plantation, are a preferable choice for gardening. After bringing the potted amaryllis indoors, store the potted plant in a cool, dry, dark location such as a basement or closet. Add more soil, tapping it down around the bulb, until one-third to one-half of the bulb remains visible. And it's a perfect flower to give on Christmas to relatives or your boss. She has been writing poetry and short stories for over 30 years, and published a variety of e-books and articles on gardening, small business and farming. As long as your bulb remains firm, be patient and take care not to overwater. The pot should drain the water quickly so that the bulb does not rot in the pot. Once the plant blooms, the flower fades quickly in the heat. Once you see the bud you can start being a little more generous with the water. Carefully inspect amaryllis bulbs before purchasing and do not purchase damaged bulbs or bulbs with cankers. To promote blooming, use a houseplant fertilizer with a high phosphorus content. Soggy soil can suffocate the roots of a plant. While the most popular colors are red and white, flowers may also be pink, salmon, apricot, rose or deep burgundy. The plant continues to grow and produce leaves when you use an all-purpose fertilizer and move the plant back to a sunny location. After the flowers have faded, cut them off to prevent seed formation. Red spots or blotches that develop into elongated cankers with red borders may develop on the base of the flower stalks and emerging leaves. After bringing the potted amaryllis indoors, store the potted plant in a cool, dry, dark location such as a basement or closet. Extension is expanding its online education and resources to adapt to COVID-19 restrictions. A green stem will continue to promote photosynthesis, which creates energy that is stored in the bulb for future leaf growth and flowers. In this example, the fertilizer contains 10 percent nitrogen, 20 percent phosphorous, and 15 percent potassium. The temperature should be around 50-60 degrees. Amaryllis is a subtropical bulb that belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family and is native to South Africa. When the flower stalk appears, care for the plant in the same manner as you did during the last blooming season. 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