Amaryllis
Hippeastrum
A spectacular South American bulb that produces 2 to 4 trumpet-shaped flowers up to 20 cm wide on tall sturdy stalks, in shades from pure white through pink, salmon, red, and bicoloured stripes. The classic Canadian winter gift bulb: pot it in November, bloom through December and January, then save the bulb to bloom again every year. With proper care a single bulb can rebloom for decades. After flowering, cut the spent stalk but leave the strap leaves alone. They feed the bulb for next year's display. In summer move the pot outdoors to a part-sun spot, fertilise monthly, and bring back inside before frost. To force a winter bloom, give the bulb 8 to 12 weeks of cool dry rest (around 13 C) starting in late summer, then resume watering and warmth.
Quick Facts
Distribution
Indoor (Hippeastrum genus native to South America, widely hybridized)
Light
Bright indirect light to some direct sun while in flower. Full sun outdoors during summer rest period
Bloom Time
6 to 10 weeks after potting up. Naturally flowers December through March in northern homes
Soil
Rich, well-draining potting mix. Plant with the upper third of the bulb left exposed above the soil line
Water
Lightly until growth appears, then increase to keep soil evenly moist (not soggy) through bloom. Reduce after flowering, then withhold entirely during the dormancy rest period
Growing & Cultivation
Propagation
Bulb offsets ("daughter bulbs") form alongside the parent. Separate at repotting once they reach about a third the size of the parent and pot each separately. Daughter bulbs typically need 2 to 3 years to reach blooming size. Seed propagation is possible but very slow (4 to 6 years to first bloom)
Repotting
Only every 3 to 4 years. Amaryllis blooms more reliably when slightly crowded. Repot in summer at the end of the dormancy rest, into a pot only 2 to 3 cm wider than the bulb
