Amaryllis – weihnachtlicher Blütentraum

Some houseplants are classics for the Christmas season. The Amaryllis, with its impressive blooms, is one of them. With simple means, you can bring the plant into bloom just in time for the holiday.

The houseplant that blooms during the Christmas season is called Amaryllis, but technically, it is a Hippeastrum. It impresses with large, striking flowers in all colors. Of course, the classic red bloom is popular during the Christmas season.

You can plant Amaryllis in a pot or a glass. For self-cultivation in a pot, late autumn is the best time. The ideal planting time is in November. Then, place the bulb in regular potting soil, covering only two-thirds of the bulb. It’s best to wear gloves, as all parts of the Amaryllis are poisonous. Place the pot with the bulb in a bright and warm spot. Water the plant lightly. It will bloom in about 6 to 8 weeks. The warmer it is, the quicker it will bloom. The ideal room temperature is around 24°C. At first, you don’t need to water much. Only when the plant starts to unfold and shows the first flower and leaf buds, should you water and fertilize regularly.

The Amaryllis bulb is very large and impressive on its own. That’s why the plant is often grown in a transparent glass. Specially shaped glasses are available for this purpose: the upper part resembles an hourglass, while it bulges out towards the bottom. This shape allows the bulb to rest on the water without sinking into it. There should always be a gap of about 5 to 6 centimeters between the water surface and the bulb. It’s best to use boiled water. Adding charcoal helps prevent rotting. Additionally, you should change the water regularly. This way, you’ll have a beautiful Christmas decoration over the holidays, and you won’t have to miss it next year either.

Even after the Amaryllis has finished blooming, you can continue to care for it. Plants grown in glass should be transplanted into a pot. When doing this, make sure that about one-third of the bulb is still above the soil. Remove the wilted flowers and place the plant in a bright, warm location. Water regularly and fertilize the plant every two weeks. After this growth phase, it's time to move the plant to a semi-shady spot outdoors. This can be done around mid-May or June, once there's no more risk of frost. During this time, the new blooms will form inside the bulb. However, starting in August, stop watering and allow the leaves to wither. Remove the yellowing leaves before digging up the bulbs and storing them in a dry, dark place. This is the resting phase. In mid-November, replant the bulbs in a pot, and you will once again enjoy the floral decoration at the next Christmas!