Amaryllis are one of the most popular flowers in the world, and for good reason. They are beautiful plants that can be grown indoors or outdoors, and they make a great addition to any home or garden. However, amaryllis come with one major caveat: they require special care. If you want your amaryllis to last as long as possible, read on for tips on how to take care of it. From watering to fertilizing to dealing with common pests and problems, this guide will have everything you need to keep your amaryllis happy and healthy.
Preparation
Amaryllis are one of the easiest plants to grow, but they require some special attention in order to keep them healthy. Here are five tips for preparing an amaryllis for the winter:
1. Remove any dead flowers or leaves. This will help to reduce the amount of compost that needs to be applied in the spring.
2. Water sparingly during the fall and winter, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
3. Do not fertilize amaryllis during the winter; concentrate on mulching around the plant with fresh hay or leaves instead.
4. Check for pests, such as aphids, mealy bugs, or scale, and take appropriate action if necessary.
5. Monitor stem growth occasionally and prune away any branches that become diseased or damaged by cold weather conditions
Planting
When planting an amaryllis bulb, make sure to use a pot that is at least four inches deep and six inches in diameter. Choose a location with partial shade and rich, moist soil. Amend the soil as needed before planting.
Amaryllis bulbs can be planted from early spring through late fall. Beginning in early spring, prepare the planting site by breaking up the ground with a shovel or trowel. Remove any large rocks or roots that may be in the area. Make sure the surface of the soil is smooth and free of debris. Plant your amaryllis bulb at a depth of one and one-half inches, spaced two inches apart according to their size.
Water your amaryllis bulbs well when they are planted, but do not water them every day during summertime. In cooler climates, water your amaryllis bulbs once per week during wintertime. Let the soil dry out between watering sessions.
Aphids can be a problem for amaryllis plants, so it is important to take steps to control them early on in their life cycle. Aphids are small green creatures that feed on plant juices and can cause leaves to curl and turn yellow or brown
Care
Amaryllis plants can be kept in a pot or garden bed and need little care. When the leaves start to yellow and fall off, it is time to repot the amaryllis. Amaryllis bulbs need plenty of water, but do not over water them. If the bulb feels dry, sprinkle it with a little water before you repot it. Amaryllis bulbs should be repotted every two years or when they reach the size of a tennis ball.
If you want to dye your amaryllis flowers, prepare the flower petals by peeling them away from the stem until you have a small piece of petal left on the end of the stem. Cut this petal off close to the stem and remove any brown or dead material. Fill a small bowl with about 1/2 cup of boiling water and add one tablespoon of white vinegar. Melt about two tablespoons of beeswax in a double boiler over medium heat. Dip each petal into the wax mixture, coating both sides well. Place petals onto a baking sheet and let sit for about 20 minutes. Place in direct sunlight for about six hours, then remove from sun and let cool completely before using.[/content]
Harvest
The amaryllis is a tuberous perennial bulb that can reach up to six feet in height. It needs warm temperatures and moderate light levels to grow optimally. During the winter, cut back the top few inches of the bulb to encourage new growth. When spring arrives, remove any dead leaves and flowers. If your amaryllis is producing flower stalks but no buds or flowers, give it more light. Amaryllis bulbs need about eight hours of direct sunlight per day during the growing season, but avoid direct sunlight in the fall and winter when they are dormant.
Amaryllises require regular watering to maintain their foliage and bulbs. Place the pot in a location that receives consistently moist soil, but do not overwater. When the surface of the pot feels dry to the touch, water gently until absorbed. Mulch around the plant with organic matter such as leaves or straw to retain moisture and keep weeds at bay. Amaryllises should be repotted every three years or when their roots begin to crowd the potting mix.