Amaryllis is a popular flower known for its large, trumpet-shaped blooms in vibrant colours like red, white, and pink. Native to South America, it's a favourite for Christmas decorations. Symbolising pride, determination, and beauty, its name comes from the Greek "amarysso," meaning "to sparkle." Amaryllis represents beauty, love, and strength, making it perfect for festive occasions and uplifting spirits.
Common name: Amaryllis
Botanical name: Hippeastrum
Origin: Native to South America (Andes)
People also call it: Belladonna lily, naked lady
Flowering time: Winter (blooms in late fall to winter)
Aspect: Full sun to partial shade
Symbolism: Pride, beauty, determination, love
Watering: Keep the vase filled with fresh water, changing it every 2-3 days.
Trimming: Cut stems at a diagonal every few days to improve water absorption.
Vase Choice: Choose a tall, sturdy vase, as amaryllis flowers have heavy, top-heavy blooms.
Temperature: Keep the flowers in a cool room away from direct sunlight and drafts, which can shorten the lifespan.
Support: As the stems grow and bend, you can support them with stakes or floral wire.
Flower Food: Add flower food to the water to help extend the bloom period.
Amaryllis symbolizes pride, strength, and determination, reflecting its ability to bloom even in the harshest conditions. The flower is also associated with beauty and love, often used to convey admiration or to celebrate festive occasions. In mythology, amaryllis represents a dramatic and enchanting beauty that captivates and enchants those who behold it, making it a popular choice for expressing affection and appreciation.
Cut the Flower Stalk: Once the flowers have faded, cut the flower stalk back to about 1-2 inches above the bulb. Avoid cutting the leaves, as they are essential for photosynthesis.
Care for the Leaves: Keep the plant in a bright location, ideally with indirect sunlight, to help the leaves absorb energy and nourish the bulb.
Fertilise: Continue to water and fertilise your amaryllis every 2-4 weeks using a balanced houseplant fertiliser. This helps the bulb recharge for the next blooming cycle.
Dormancy Period: After about 6 months of foliage growth, reduce watering and allow the leaves to wither naturally. This signals the bulb to go into dormancy. Once dormant, store the bulb in a cool (10-15°C), dark place for 8-10 weeks.
After the Growing Period: Only cut back amaryllis leaves once they start to yellow and die back naturally, usually at the end of the growing period (summer). This allows the bulb to absorb all the nutrients from the leaves.
Avoid Cutting Healthy Leaves: Never cut green, healthy leaves, as they are necessary for photosynthesis and for storing energy in the bulb for the next flowering cycle.
Planting the Bulb: Use a well-draining pot with a good quality potting mix. Position the bulb so that the top third remains above the soil.
Watering: Water sparingly until growth appears, then water more frequently, keeping the soil moist but not soggy.
Light and Temperature: Place the amaryllis in a warm, sunny spot with indirect light. A temperature range of 20-25°C is ideal. Fertilising: Feed the plant every two weeks during the growth period with a balanced fertiliser to support the development of leaves and flowers.
Staking: As the flower stalk grows, it may need staking for support.
Reblooming: After blooming, follow the post-bloom care steps above to ensure the bulb regains its energy for the next season.
Planting: Plant the bulb in well-draining soil, leaving the top third of the bulb above the soil line.
Watering: Water sparingly until shoots appear, then gradually increase watering to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy.
Light and Temperature: Place the amaryllis in a bright spot without direct sunlight. A temperature of 20-25°C is ideal.
Fertilising: Fertilise every two weeks during the growth period with a balanced fertiliser to support leaf and flower development.
Support the Stalk: As the flower stalk grows, provide support if needed to keep it upright.
Post-bloom Care: After flowering, keep the plant growing by watering and fertilising to help the bulb store energy for the next bloom cycle.
Bloom Duration: An amaryllis typically blooms for 6-8 weeks. Individual flowers last for about 2-3 weeks. With proper care, new flower stalks may emerge during the blooming period, extending the overall duration.
Extending the Bloom: To extend the blooming time, place the plant in a cooler location around 16-18°C away from direct sunlight.