Amaryllis – plant and care for it indoors

Amaryllis are popular houseplants for Christmas time. To make them bloom in time for the holiday, they are planted in November.

The term Amaryllis can be misleading. The true Amaryllis is actually a Belladonna lily. What we typically think of as Amaryllis are the Hippeastrum genus of plants, commonly known as "knight stars."

Amaryllis are primarily known as houseplants and are often used as Christmas decorations. Mid-November is the optimal planting time if you want the plant to bloom by the holiday. Amaryllis require about 6 to 8 weeks to bloom. For this, the bulbs should be placed in a bright spot with a room temperature of about 24°C. You can use regular houseplant soil as the substrate. One-third of the bulb should still be above the soil after planting. Press the soil firmly around it. At first, water sparingly until the first leaves sprout. Afterward, regular watering is essential. A regular fertilization with flower plant fertilizer is also beneficial. By fertilizing every 10 to 14 days, you can soon enjoy a strong bloom.

Once the Amaryllis has finished blooming after Christmas, it is not lost. You can continue to care for the plant and bring it into bloom again next year. Remove the flower stem from the faded Amaryllis. Then, place the plant in a bright, warm spot and water it regularly. Fertilizing every 2 weeks will also benefit the Amaryllis. By mid-May, when there is no longer any risk of frost, the plant can tolerate a semi-shaded spot outdoors. From this point on, it is crucial to fertilize and water regularly, as new flowers are already being formed in the bulb. In August, stop watering and allow the foliage to wither. Once the leaves turn yellow and dry out, remove them. Then, it is time to lift the bulbs and store them in a dry, dark place. In mid-November, repot the bulbs, water them generously, and they will bloom again for the next Christmas season.

Amaryllis look beautiful as houseplants in pots or glasses, but they also make lovely cut flowers in a vase, decorating your home with their stunning blooms. You can either use Amaryllis that you have grown yourself or purchase them as blooming plants. In this case, make sure the Amaryllis has a bud that will open within three to four days. Use a sharp knife to cut the stem, making sure the hollow stems are not pressed, and the vascular system remains intact. Tape the cut end with adhesive tape to prevent the stem from splitting in the water. Place the Amaryllis in water at room temperature. To extend its lifespan, try this simple trick: re-cut the stems every three days and change the water. With an ideal room temperature of around 20 to 22°C, the Amaryllis can last up to two weeks in the vase, showcasing its floral beauty.