I received an amaryllis bulb this past Spring and for easy access I'm posting the care for it here. Hopefully I'll have season after season of beautiful blooms...
Place the potted bulb in a warm place with direct light, as heat is essential for the development of the stems. Normal room temperature of 68F (20C) is ideal.
Water sparingly until the stem appears. As the bud and leaves become visible, the Amaryllis gradually needs more water. After that, the stem will grow rapidly, and once it has reached full growth flowers start to develop.
The bulbs can be forced into flower within 8 to 10 weeks after first watering.
To try for another flower next year: After flowering remove the stem and leave the foliage to grow. Add some liquid plant food. In late summer reduce watering and stop feeding. In October cut off the foliage and remove pot and compost. Keep the bulb for about two months in a very dry place at approx. 60F (15C). Hereafter, the planting cycle can start again, remove the dried out roots and replant the bulb using fresh soil.
Posted by kjohnson at October 26, 2003 02:28 PM | TrackBack