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Amaryllis/Hippeastrum

Just getting started

Christopher von Simson

3 years ago

Hi there. This is my first winter with these very nice plants. I have had some good luck so far with a couple of discounted potted bulbs. One has just sprung into bloom. Wow what a treat for mid-winter.
Question: The hard bit for me is watering “sparingly” while waiting for a shoot to emerge. My question: for a given bulb size, what amount is “sparingly”? 50ml? 100ml?
Perhaps it depends on the mix of the growing medium too... The two cheap pots have a richer darker mix. So far so good.

Featured Answer

mindshift

3 years ago

I wish there were a fool-proof formula for watering. However, there are variables from plant to plant and room to room. How well drained is the potting soil? How humid is the room? Watering advice ranges from once a week to when the top inch of soil is dry. I have seen it recommended to soak the plant when you first plant it, then water sparingly. Once the bulb begins to sprout you can water more often.

Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) hybrids are produced in the northern hemisphere in Holland, Japan, Israel and the U.S. and start blooming in January. In the southern hemisphere they are produced in South Africa, Brazil and Peru and these start blooming in December. Forced bulbs seldom have their origins listed. Some varieties will produce leaves first. Others will produce flowers first.

Amaryllis cultivars need a dormant period in order to bloom the next year. Dormancy is usually begun in August by gradually withholding water until the foliage yellows. Once the foliage dies move the plant to a cool, but frost free place for a couple of months. Growth is usually restarted starting in November. Here is a SITE with very good info.

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Comments (7)

popmama (Colorado, USDA z5)
3 years ago
They look fantastic. Mine are all still in buds but shooting up quick. I always look forward to having these beautiful blooms in the dreary part of the year. They don't need a lot of water at this point. I recognize that plastic planter pot from ones I bought at Walmart last year. The pot has no drainage, so I'd just give it maybe a dribble every few days. My understanding is that if you water too much you can risk bulb rot and also the leaves will become floppier. Looking at yours, I'd say you were doing it just right!
Christopher von Simson thanked popmama (Colorado, USDA z5)
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Christopher von Simson
Original Author
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Stamens with red filaments ending in anthers carrying pollen. Seems healthy. I'll have to take a look at the propagation videos on YouTube :)
Christopher von Simson
Original Author
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Thanks for all the encouragement.
Christopher von Simson
Original Author
3 years ago
Now we have reached a new stage. The blooms were magnificent, thanks in part to your advice.
Christopher von Simson
Original Author
3 years ago
Now the blooms are faded, do you leave on the stamen, or prune? I saw this about pruning, which is easy to follow. Do you prune or not?

https://www.gardenia.net/guide/learn-how-to-plant-care-or-get-your-amaryllis-to-re-bloom

Photos of where we are at today
Fred Biasella
3 years ago
Hi Chis,

Unless I have pollinated the flowers on purpose, I usually just trim the scape half way down and let it shrivel up on it's own. Otherwise, a lot of energy will go towards seed production at the expense of the bulb.
Christopher von Simson thanked Fred Biasella

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