Amaryllis
Amaryllis or Hippeastrum are popular flowers grown for their giant flowers and exotic colours. Hippeastrum are native to the tropical and subtropical regions from Mexico south to Argentina and throughout the Caribbean. Hippeastrum is a Greek word meaning “Horseman’s Star”. Today they are also known as Knights Star. They are grown indoors in pots and will flower through Winter for a great display, meaning they are perfect for a Christmas gift.
How To Grow
When you buy a Hippeastrum bulb it already has a perfect embryo flower formed and is ready to be planted.
- Soak the roots of the newly purchased Hippeastrum bulb in a cup or glass of lukewarm water.
- Make sure that just the roots are submerged in the water and keep the base of the bulb above the water.
- Leave the roots in the water overnight and it will be ready to plant the next day.
- Plant the bulb in a 6” container. Fill it one third with a well draining potting mix.
- Place the bulb in the centre of the pot. Sprinkle some bone meal around the roots. Bone meal promotes a healthy root system and vibrant flowers.
- Cover the bulb to the point that the neck of the bulb is above soil level.
- Water the pot thoroughly with lukewarm water and place your newly potted bulb in front of a well lit window.
- Do not water again until you see some growth in the leaves or flower stalk.
- During the growing period keep the potting medium moist.
Most Hippeastrum produce two flower stalks with each stalk producing four to six flowers.
