Among the most popular winter-flowering plants, amaryllis certainly belongs. This species originates from Scandinavian countries and is often referred to as the “Queen of Holidays”. Even the bulb of the plant is used as a decorative element. How to care for amaryllis?
Amaryllis is available in several varieties. Growers can choose varieties from red to white to coral, variegated or pink. What to do to make the amaryllis bloom for Christmas?
In order for your amaryllis to bloom for Christmas, you need to plan your planting appropriately. Unfortunately, time is short. The best solution would be to start growing it now. What should be kept in mind when caring for the plant?
How to find out if amaryllis bulbs are of good quality?
In order to have no doubts about the quality of the amaryllis bulb, you need to check it well.
- Two parameters are key – size and number of stems.
- Do not forget that the bulb of the plant should be firm.
When choosing an amaryllis bulb, you can suggest the principle that the bigger it is, the better it will grow.
- Larger bulbs usually have more stems.
This is important information because up to four flowers will develop on each stem.
- The more stems the amaryllis has, the more flowers will appear.
Adult amaryllis bulb has a circumference of 34-36 cm and weighs approximately 600 g. It usually produces three stems, each with many flowers. However, specimens with a circumference of 28-32 cm weigh approximately 400 g and produce two stems each.
How to care for amaryllis
- Amaryllis will thrive in light and fertile soil with good drainage.
Airy soil with plenty of humus is usually the best choice.
- The plant also likes light humidification.
Onions do not need a lot of water. Therefore, the grower should limit himself to gentle watering.
- A universal fertilizer can also be used to support amaryllis during leaf growth.
How to propagate amaryllis
It is also worth finding out how to propagate amaryllis.
This is done either by sowing the seeds or by dividing the bulbs.
- You must first soak the seeds for 24 hours. Only then can you plant them in a pot with soil and a mixture of peat and sand.
- When propagating amaryllis by dividing the bulbs, it is necessary to carefully separate them by transplanting.
Propagation is usually done when the plant is dormant. The bulbs are placed in separate pots so that they have enough space to grow.
It will be a beautiful decoration of the house for Christmas. When to plant amaryllis?