| Plant
Amaryllis between October and May for flowering between December
and June
If you do not plant your
bulb immediately, store it in a cool area (50°F.)
Before planting, place the
bulb and its dangling roots in lukewarm water for several
hours. Plant in a pot slightly larger than the diameter of
the bulb. Rocks added to the bottom of the pot will decrease
tippiness and improve drainage. Cover the bulb to the neck
with nutritious potting soil or compost. Press the soil firmly
around the bulb. Don’t overfill the pot; leave enough
room for watering.
In the first few weeks,
water sparingly. After the leaves and bud develop, water more
frequently. Direct sunlight and warm temperatures encourage
proper growth. Lower light and temperature results in taller
stems, whereas greater light and temperature promotes shorter
stems. Amaryllis generally bloom 6 to 8 weeks after planting;
the flowers last about 2 weeks.
Cut the stem close to the
bulb after the flower fades. The long thin leaves will continue
to grow. Once the weather warms up, the plant can be moved
outdoors. In mid to late summer, stop watering and let the
leaves die back. Before first frost, bring the pot back inside
and place in a cool dark place for 8 to 12 weeks to simulate
dormancy.
Bring the bulb back to room
temperature, resume watering, and its flowering cycle will
begin again.
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