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Amaryllis/Hippeastrum

Lots of foliage, no flower...

14 years ago

I've grown an Amaryllis before, a few years ago, and I didn't have any problems. I bought one this year at Dollar General, it is supposed to be a white Amaryllis called Alfresco, which is different from what I've grown before (Large Amaryllis). I planted over 4 weeks ago and it's really shot up. It's over 28" now, but all foliage (5 or 6 leaves). I just got a new foliage leaf last week in the center, but all the other leaves are starting to turn yellow and brown at the tips. What should I do at this point? It doesn't look like it is going to flower.

Thanks!

Dave

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Comments (4)

kaboehm (zone 9a, TX USA)
14 years ago
Dave,
Lucky you picking up a bulb at Dollar General...Alfresco no less!! Chances are that it wasn't stored under conditions that would have it prepped to bloom for you. Make sure it's getting plenty of good light (not direct hot afternoon sun) and keep it happy with occassional water and some Miracle Gro. At this point, it might still bloom, but possibly not. The best that you can hope for is to prep it for a nice fat bloom (or 8) next year. There is a FAQ page on this list that will give you basic care instructions as well as how to get your bulb to bloom next year. Don't give up. At my house, when they go on their own schedule my amaryllis bloom between March and June! It could still happen!

Lucky you...I love my Alfresco!!
{{gwi:397701}}
;-)
Kristi
e36yellowm3
14 years ago
Hi Dave, I agree with Kristi - lucky you! I'm heading out to Dollar General later ;-) Last year I bought two bulbs from WalMart labeled "red / white stripe" and I had the same issues you did... lots of leaves but no blooms. I tended it through the summer and fall, then put it away for the winter. This spring I just love it! Great big beautiful blooms. Seems like these mass distributed bulbs either are too young to bloom, or aren't given a cold rest to develop flowers. Under your care it'll be a great bulb to have! Alana
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russ2009
14 years ago
Wow Kristi - that is a gorgeous amaryllis.
I thought I was getting a white double for christmas but when it bloomed I got a double red with white stripes. I think its called Promise.
I guess someone put the wrong bulbs in boxes. I planted the large bulb as soon as I opened it and put it outside on the deck where it has been since. We had one of the coldest winters on record here. Many nights below freezing. Its the chill that sets the flower - so I am told. The cold temps must be good for many plants as I had the best blooms on my orchid cactus and clivia as well. My amaryllis is now in bloom and is gorgeous. I have another post on here with pics. It grew 2 thick stalks and one had 4 large blooms on it and the other had 3 on it. I just wish it would give me some pollen to do a cross with another plant. Stay patient Dave and you will get a beautiful flower from it sometime.
I still want a white double amaryllis tho.
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kaboehm (zone 9a, TX USA)
14 years ago
Russ....I love the doubles, but most are stingey with pollen. The Nymphs seem to have pollen, but not on anthers like the singles. The edges of some of the inner petals have pockets of pollen. You can scrap it out with the edge of a pair of tweezers or something similar.

The white above is Alfresco.

Nymph has some color to it; I think White Nymph is pure white.

YEP...everything is blooming like crazy right now. The cold winter really pushed the right buttons. I live in Spring...where are you?? I might have some bulbs to hand off if you are close by.

Kristi
(Spring, TX)

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