Introduction to the Amaryllis
Amaryllis is a flowering bulb that is popular among the gardeners of our country because it is easy to care for and easy to bring to bloom. It is affordable and has large showy blooms. It can be an indoor plant or a garden plant depending on local weather conditions. A potted Amaryllis in bloom makes an ideal gift. Given sufficient care it continues to live and flower, season after season.

Genus & History
Amaryllis is the conventional Latin name used in Classical poetry for a shepherdess. The genus name "Amaryllis" supports only one species, the Belladonna Lily (Amaryllis belladonna), a plant native to South Africa. The flowering bulbs that we commonly buy in November and December as holiday plants here in the US, are the Hippeastrum, and have their origin in the tropic and sub-tropic areas of America. Many of the varieties that we have are hybrids from the original species. Most flourish in warm and humid climates with abundant rainfall and good drainage.

Description & Types
The plant has thin flat leaves. Its large bell-shaped flowers grow on long stalks and resemble the Lily and give an good display. The amaryllis comes in a variety of colors: red white, salmon, orange, pink or in combinations - commonly white with a pink or red flush. Amaryllis typically grow to heights differing from 18 to 36 inches depending on the type and conditions.

Tips on growing Amaryllis

Climate
As the plant is a native of tropic and sub tropic regions with distinct dry and wet seasons and warm climates, the plant thrives best under similar conditions. It can be grown as a garden plant in climatic Zones 8-10, for instance from Macon southward in Georgia. But in North Georgia, they can be successfully grown as potted plants and spring and summer garden plants. They will not survive the New York winter as garden plants and are best as indoor plants giving flower every year.

Planting
The bulbs can be planted after they have has completed the dormant period:

a) In Pots: The bulbs should be planted in a good sterile medium such as a sandy loam-soil mixture with pH 6-6.8 and adequate drainage. The plant must be watered carefully so that the no water goes into the neck of the Amaryllis Bulb and the soil is moist, but not soaking wet. Over watering will cause the bulb to rot. The potted plant should be placed in a warm, well-lit place and once the new growth appears, the plant needs more moisture. It does not need a very large pot and has a preference to being pot bound.
b) In Gardens: Amaryllis will grow in a garden provided the soil is well drained and the climate warm. It is best to plant them in raised flowerbeds to ensure drainage.
While planting it is best not to submerge the neck of the bulb in too much soil thereby eliminating the risk of water entering the bulb.

Growth
The beginnings of the flat green leaf usually appear first and then a round flowering stem which grows to 18-36 inches. The buds are green thickenings at first and open to lily shaped flowers. A bulb usually flowers within 7-10 weeks of planting. As compared to spring, the flowering period will be longer in winter.

Fertilization
The quality of the flowers depends on the fertilization as well as the conditions provided. Once the growth appears, the plant needs either a slow release NPK fertilizer or a liquid one. High nitrogen concentrates can damage the plant.

Flowering
Typically, a single flower stem produces four blooms and sometimes upto six. A healthy plant may produce two flower stems. The blooms face different directions and open within a couple of days of each other.

Forcing the Amaryllis to bloom
By artificially reproducing the climatic cycles, you may force the Amaryllis to bloom according to your schedule. Of course, you can always let the seasons determine their flowering.

After Flowering Care
Cut the old flowers from the stem. When flowering is over and stems start withering cut them close to the neck of the bulb. However, the watering and fertilizing should continue so that the leaves replenish the bulbs and develop them. As long as the leaves continue to flourish, the Amaryllis is well and in good condition. Once the leaves start turning yellow and wither, cut away the leaves, dig up the bulbs carefully and clean them. Store them in a cool dark place for a minimum of 6-8 weeks when they will remain dormant. After 8-10 weeks, new foliage will start to emerge. Then repot/plant the bulbs, dividing sister bulbs if any and provide them the warmth, humidity and light necessary for their growth. The plants usually bloom in about 8 weeks after planting

These pages might also interest you:

Allium Directory, Amaryllis Directory, Begonia Directory, Crocus Directory, Daffodils Directory, Dahlia Directory, Hyacinth Directory, Iris Directory, Lily Directory, Tulip Directory