How to Mix the Soil in an Amaryllis Container
Amaryllis plants are spectacular bulb plants with a long spring bloom period. They can be grown successfully indoors and out (in warm climates). Gigantic blossoms in carmine, pink and apricot hues liven up any patio space or living room, and the bold green foliage is striking even when the plant is not blooming. Best of all, amaryllis is one of the easiest species of bulb plant to grow and can thrive under the care of even the newest green thumb. With some careful soil preparation, your amaryllis bulbs will be on their way to glory in no time. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Heavy pot
- Gravel
- Mesh or screen (small square)
- Potting soil
- Vermiculite
- Peat humus
- Bucket
Instructions
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Mixing Soil for Amaryllis
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1
Select a heavy material for your amaryllis pot, such as ceramic or terracotta. (Amaryllis stems can grow to 24 inches and tip over lightweight pots.) A pot of 6 inches or so in diameter makes for the best size, as it will prevent the amaryllis from sending out runners to create new bulbs and will force the plant instead to focus its energy on producing flowers.
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2
Cover the drainage hole in the pot with a small piece of screen or mesh to prevent the soil from escaping.
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3
Fill the pot with a ½- to 1-inch layer of gravel for drainage.
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4
Create your soil mixture. In a bucket, mix together one part good-quality potting soil, one part ground peat or peat humus and one part vermiculite (or "perlite" soil). If you are living in a cooler area, where the amaryllis will spend long months indoors during the winter, you can add up to one part sand to the potting mixture to improve drainage. Amaryllis like moist but well-drained soil.
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5
Stir the soil mixture thoroughly to incorporate all of the parts, and scoop into your pot for planting, keeping the upper 1/3 of the bulb above the soil.
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Tips & Warnings
You can substitute one part quality compost for the peat humus if you prefer, especially if the potting mix you use is already somewhat loamy. Alternately, many garden supply centers carry premixed potting soil specifically recommended for bulb plants and even amaryllis in particular. Make sure to select a quality brand, and one that is slightly acidic (with a pH between 6 and 7).
References
- Photo Credit amaryllis fond noir image by photlook from Fotolia.com
