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Amaryllis/Hippeastrum

What does it mean when the scapes grow but don't open

JL (Zone 6B MA)

6 years ago

Hello everyone, hope you don't mind my many questions.....What does it mean when the scapes are fully formed and tall but have not opened for almost 10 days? My Rosy Star had two beautiful scapes when I brought it home that grew to what looks like full height pretty quickly (within 3-4 days of planting) but have since not done much else. The bulb along with my evergreen bulb feels like it is getting squishy. Its not mushy - just soft which makes me think maybe the bulbs get this way when the scapes come out?

I have both these planted in well draining soil, have only watered them twice in the last two weeks (both times after checking that the soil was dry a few inches deep) and they are in the best light I have in my home - which is indirect sunlight in an upstairs room.

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JL (Zone 6B MA)
Original Author

6 years ago

Thanks Donna :-). I was so excited to see this opening today that I had to post that half-open bud pic. I am looking forward to it opening fully.....

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Comments (8)

dondeldux z6b South Shore Massachusetts
6 years ago
Hi JL. You're correct in thinking that after a new bulb pushes out a few scapes the bulb does get "squishy" as when they arrive to the nurseries they are pumped up with fertilizers and are full of moisture. These new bulbs will never be as big as when you first bought them even after you've grown them several years, they will however be firm and actually as hard as a rock and after sending up a scape which they usually do one at a time in the future, the bulb will remain hard.

I know it's temping to water these bulbs but unless they are actually growing leaves, I wouldn't. It's the leaves that use the water. The actually bulbs themselves are capable of sending up one of two or even 3 scapes without needing water unless, you know that they have a few viable roots but it's the leaves that process the water.

Don't be alarmed when you see a huge amount of shrinkage after these new bulbs bloom and it will take a summer in the sun with lots of leaf growth to bring them back to their hardest consistency albeit much smaller. This is one reason why I never buy these bulbs advertised as jumbo because they will suffer so much shrinkage they may never recover.

As for you Rosy Star, I remember the picture its two beautiful scapes and buds and I hope that they do open for you, as they should. I think you bought this at Russell's and I bought an Aphrodite in a similar condition and the first bud has just opened its first flower.

Keep us posted on their progress.

Donna
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JL (Zone 6B MA)
Original Author
6 years ago
Thanks Donna - I didn't know you were not supposed to water them until the leaves appeared! Yikes!

Ok I will keep this in mind and just be patient - and you're right these bulbs were from Russell's

Joy
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JL (Zone 6B MA)
Original Author
6 years ago
Finally my much awaited rosy star is slowly opening its bloom. Hopefully will be fully open in a few days!

I tried to take a pic with the flash to see if I could capture how much it sparkles!
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dondeldux z6b South Shore Massachusetts
6 years ago
Hurray!! Looks like you got the correct bulb, the flower will get better as it opens fully. Enjoy!
JL (Zone 6B MA)
Original Author
6 years ago
Just wanted to post a pic of a more open rosy star. I know it’s not a spectacular color but it’s very soothing .....
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dondeldux z6b South Shore Massachusetts
6 years ago
Nice, those flowers on the lower scape opened nicely!! Yes, it's a soft one, but as you say, soothing. As you buy more another year, your tastes might change but for now,, you're doing great!! Evergreen is a favorite of most all of us!! ;-))
jstropic (10a)
6 years ago
Joy, I like Rosy Star for her softness and understated beauty. Each of them seem to offer their own special beauty. - Jody

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