Amaryllis – Flowering plants

Amaryllis is the most popular bulbous perennial, flowering plant. The bulbs are generally 5–12 cm in diameter and produce two to seven long-lasting evergreen leaves 30–90 cm long, and flowers arranged in umbelliform inflorescences on an erect stem 20–75 cm tall. Each flower is 13–20 cm across. The magnificent trumpet-shaped blooms are in red, white, yellow, pink, and salmon color.

Scientific classification:

Family: Amaryllidaceae
Subfamily: Amaryllidoideae
Subtribe: Hippeastrinae
Genus: Hippeastrum

Scientific Name: Hippeastrum spp.
Common Names: Amaryllis

How to grow and maintain Amaryllis:

Light:
It requires bright and direct sunlight. To stand any chance of getting the Amaryllis to flower it’s best to have the plant near a south-facing window, where it can get the most hours of sunshine.

Soil:
It grows well in a rich, organic, well-drained, any good potting mix.

Temperature:
It prefers cool to average room temperatures 55°F – 70°F / 13°C – 21°C. Make your flowers last longer by keeping the plant in a slightly cooler location.

Water:
Water the plant when the top 2 inches of soil feels dry, allowing the container to drain freely each time. Try not to give the plant to sit in water as wet soil can promote bulb and root rot and attract pests.

Fertilizer:
Fertilize amaryllis every 2 weeks with high-potassium liquid fertilizer diluted by half.

Re-Potting:
Re-potting in a fairly large pot that gives the plant plenty of room for its roots. Once every 2 -3 years should be fine.

Propagation:
It can be propagated by seed, bulb offsets or rhizomes. Divide and replant over-crowded bulbs in spring. To propagate amaryllis, allow the plant to go to seed, harvest in autumn and sow in spring.

Pests and Diseases:
It has no serious pest and disease problems. Watch for mealybugs, thrips, mites, and aphids. Sometimes, susceptible to red blotch, red leaf spot or red fire.