The amaryllis is a bulb that produces a flower that charms and captures the eye with its impressive and majestic flowers that project on long and strong stems. The color combinations of the flower vary and often surpass any imagination. White, red, orange, yellow, as well as beautiful two-tone colors with characteristic streaks.
Planting
Large amaryllis bulbs should be planted in a warm, sheltered and sunny spot in your garden. You should also be careful to leave a small part of the bulb uncovered, above the soil.
Care
Water the soil well, which should be moist, but not soggy. When the topsoil feels dry to the touch, water again. Excessive moisture can cause the bulbs to rot. Regarding fertilization, although the amaryllis has no special requirements, adding a small amount of fertilizer at planting will help flowering and the formation of impressive flowers. As the plants grow, they may need support (eg a stick, stake) to keep the flower stem upright. To do this, sink the stake into the soil gently, taking care not to injure the bulb. Then carefully tie the stake to the stem. You can place the stake in the pot earlier, during the planting of the bulb.
Extension of flowering
If you want to prolong the flowering, follow the method below. Once the bud begins to open, use the eyebrow tweezers to remove the yellow anthers from the flower stalks before scattering their pollen. This can prolong the flowering of the flowers for several days. When the amaryllis is in full bloom, its flowers will last longer if you move the plant to a cooler room at night (13-18 degrees Celsius) and away from direct sunlight during the day.
Bulb storage
Once the amaryllis blossom has dried in the spring, stop watering and remove the bulbs from the soil. Then we clean the bulbs by removing the soil and place them in a shady ventilated place. After the amaryllis bulbs are dry, store them in a dry place in cardboard boxes. In order not to collect moisture and the bulbs to germinate, we make small holes in the boxes or we put some perlite inside.
Amaryllis problems
In general, its problems are limited. However, it is infested with blackleg which you can avoid if you keep the plant in conditions of high humidity in summer. It is also infested with thrips which you can control with suitable insecticides. Finally, it is rarely infected by fungi. But if this happens, limit watering and check the drainage of the soil. Also spray with fungicide.
Flowering failure
If the amaryllis begins to develop foliage immediately after the dormant period, there is little chance of it blooming during this period. Usually the flower bud is preformed and is the first thing to emerge from the bulb. If your amaryllis does not bloom eventually, let it grow all spring and place it outdoors in the summer. Increase the frequency of fertilization and your hopes for flowering in the next period.
