HOW TO CARE FOR AMARYLLIS
A signature indoor flower during the winter months, Amaryllis comes in many
colors. Amaryllis is a Greek work meaning feminine named after a beautiful
shepherdess. Belladonna, the species name, means beautiful lady.
Amaryllis bulbs always make welcome holiday gifts, ideal for people who have
little time or energy for extensive plant care. They usually bloom during
the fall and winter holidays. Complete bulb kits are sold in the fall. In
addition to a bulb, the package often contains a pot and the potting soil
required to bring it to bloom with directions on planting and care. The bulb
will bloom in about 45 days after it has been planted in its pot. Amaryllis
usually bloom in November to January depending on when they were planted.
Remove the faded blossoms. This prevents seed formation, which diverts food
from the bulb itself. Strap-like leaves will grow after flowering. The
leaves produce starch, which is stored in the bulb to replenish it. As
summer progresses, the leaves die back and the bulb becomes dormant.
Keep the soil moist in the pot until September when you need to stop
watering it and place the pot in a cool, dry place for 10 to 12 weeks. In
November remove the bulb from the original pot. Clean off the old foliage
and roots. Leave healthy roots intact that are firm and plump. Repot in
fresh soil, leaving the “shoulders” of the bulb exposed by one-third. Use a
slightly larger container than the bulb itself. For a more dramatic display
of flowers, plant 3 or more bulbs in a larger sized pot to hold them. Make
sure the container has drainage holes. Once the flower buds open, move the
pot to a cooler location and less direct light. This prolongs the flowers
and brings out the color more.
After the plants have finished blooming indoors, you can plant them, pot and
all, out into the garden once all danger of frost is over.
When you plant them in your garden, place them in an area where they get
full sun with some dappled shade in the afternoon. They do well with an
eastern exposure. Dig a hole and plant the whole pot in the ground.
Fertilize monthly during the growing season as long as active growth is
underway. Continue to water the plant. In late August into September, the
leaves will start to brown and fade. Stop watering the plant and let it dry
out. Dig the pot up and put it in a dry, cool place for 10-12 weeks.
Then follow the above instructions to repot and display for winter bloom.
This plant is a beautiful, easy-care addition to your home and garden.
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