How To Care For Amaryllis Bulbs And Flowers

Amaryllis is also known as Belladonna Lily or Naked Lady.

The genus comprises two species. A kind Amaryllis belladonna is native to South Africa, particularly the Cape of Good Hope.

Amaryllis belladonna is sometimes confused with Hippeastrum, a flowering bulb commonly sold in the winter months as it easily thrives indoors.

Hippeastrum is a genus comprises about 90 species and more than 600 hybrids from tropical and subtropical regions of Mexico south to Argentina and the rest of the Caribbean.

"Hippeastrum" is Greek for "horseman's star" known today as "knight's star".

Dutch growers are considered the first commercial breeders of Hippeastrum dates from the 18th century. Usually you Amaryllis bulbs in nurseries and garden centers around the middle of October, so they are in bloom for Christmas and the holidays.

When purchasing an amaryllis bulb, Hippeastrum, it already has a perfectly formed embryo flower. The lamp is ready to be planted.

Soak the roots of the newly purchased Amaryllis bulb in a cup or a glass of lukewarm water to which you have some seaweed. Ensure that only the roots are immersed in the water and every part of the lamp itself. Hold the base of the lamp above and outside of the water.

At night, leave the roots in water-seaweed mix. It will be ready the next day to plant. The night soaking the roots in the seaweed mixture promotes the growth of your Amaryllis as a result of the essential trace elements present in seaweed.

Amaryllis to the lamp start of plants with a 6 inch container. Fill the third place with a well-draining potting soil. Place the bulb in the middle of the pot. Sprinkle some bone meal around the roots. Bone meal promotes a healthy root system and lively Amaryllis flowers. Cover the lamp to the point that the "neck" of the lamp is above the ground.

Water the pot thoroughly with lukewarm water and you have some seaweed and / or Superthrive leaving your Amaryllis bulb to start the growth process. Place your new potted bulb for a well-lit window.

Do not water again until you have some growth in the leaves, stem, or both. During the growth period keep the pots moist medium. Most amaryllis bulbs, Hippeastrum, produce two flower stems with each stem producing four to six Amaryllis flowers.

When your amaryllis has finished blooming, cut the stem and continue to grow until August or September. During this period, to keep in a good light, water regularly and fertilize every other week with a fertilizer rich in phosphorus and potassium. You do this for next season to promote the flower.

Some gardeners are able to produce their Amaryllis flowers twice a year, in winter and summer.

In August or September to stop watering and fertilizing. Keep the amaryllis bulb in the pot in a dark place. Sets the latency phase.

In December and January remove most of the bottom of the top of the container until the roots have been exposed. Sprinkle some bone meal around the roots and cover with fresh potting medium. Water with seaweed and / or Superthrive. In a few months back reward you with beautiful Amaryllis bulb flowers.