How to Treat an Amaryllis Bulb
Amaryllis, also known as Hippeastrum, is a bulb plant that produces elegant flowers that are very popular as holiday gifts. Amaryllis is a native of the Andes in South America, so it can only be planted outdoors in the warmest regions of the U.S. Amaryllis comes in many beautiful shades of red, pink, salmon, orange, and white, and even multicolored varieties. It is a very easy plant to grow, and with a little effort, you can get the plant to re-bloom a few months after its original blooming. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Most amaryllis is sold pre-potted, so get your plant to bloom by watering with room temperature water, making sure to keep water off the nose of the bulb. Keep the soil moderately moist, but do not overwater. A large bulb will send out two or more healthy stems for flowers.
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Keep the amaryllis plant in a sunny area at a temperature between 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the plant begin to grow, fertilize with either a water soluble fertilizer every few weeks, or a slow release fertilizer every couple months.
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Once the plant blooms keep it out of direct sunlight and move to a slightly cooler area to preserve the flowers. Flowers are heavy so you may need to stake them up with bamboo stakes and raffia ties. Protect the plant from drafts that will damage the flowers.
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After the flower fades, cut off at the top of the stalk. When the stalk begins to sag, cut just above the bulb nose. Continue to water and fertilize as usual until the leaves turn yellow. Then cut leaves back to 2 inches from bulb and remove the plant from its pot. Store in a cool, dark area, about 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit, for 6 to 8 weeks. Do not store in a refrigerator where apples are kept, as this will sterilize the bulbs.
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To plant outdoors, make sure danger of frost has passed. Plant in sunny area, keeping soil moist but not too wet. Allow leaves to fully develop and grow. Bring indoors in fall before the first frost. Place in sunny area or under plant lights. Do not let soil dry out. Large bulbs may produce little baby bulbs which can be potted to grow to flowering size in a few seasons.
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To re-bloom plant, re-pot after the dormant period, and keep soil moist. Set in a warm, sunny spot. Do not overwater. Plant will bloom 8 weeks after repotting, so you may wish to time carefully to produce winter holiday blooms.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not overwater amaryllis bulbs. Bulbs need 6-8 weeks of cool, dark dormancy. Allow leaves to grow after flowers have faded.
