Amaryllis
Hippeastrum, commonly known as Amaryllis. In fact, Amaryllis is a genus of flowers, but the common name has become popular though it is incorrect. Hippeastrum can be grown outside in warmer climates however makes a great pot plant in the greenhouse or indoors. It is also called the Large Flowering Amaryllis, Cybister Amaryllis, Galaxy Amaryllis, Double Amaryllis, Diamond Amaryllis, or Spider Amaryllis.
Hippeastrum is native to the tropics or subtropics. It blooms with two to four flowers of 8-10 inches across on a 2 ft. stem. When grown outside they bloom in early spring. It is a bulbous, herbaceous perennial. It is from the Amaryllidaceae family of plants. The name Hippeastrum means knight’s star. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas.
How to grow Hippeastrum:
Hippeastrum likes a rich, sandy mix soil. You should fertilize Amaryllis regularly while it is growing. The sun is important for its growth but it could have filtered sunlight. If you have planted it in a pot you might need to turn it around as it starts tilting toward the light.
Did you know you can plant Amaryllis without any soil! Since most of the nutrients are already stored in the bulb you can use pebbles or I have even seen special glass jars that accommodate bulbs without any soil.
Tip: When using the flower for display or when the flower blooms if you carefully remove the anther the flower lasts much longer since you stop the creation of seed.
You can raise Hippeastrum from seeds but it will take years before you have a full bulb. It is best to buy bulbs that you can force to bloom indoors easily. After flowering, you can cut the stem just above the bulb nose. You should continue to water and let the leaves grow and produce energy in the bulb.
In warmer climates, you can leave them planted all year through and they flower each year. Or after the leaves turn yellow cut them back and remove the bulb for planting later. If you chose to remove the bulb store them in a cool dark place for a minimum of 8 to 10 weeks, and then plant again for the next round.
