Amaryllis
Amaryllis: Towering Beauty in the Dead of Winter
Amaryllis as a Gift: Amaryllis bulbs, with their towering stems and breathtaking blossoms, are often given as gifts to symbolize success and achievement. These majestic blooms celebrate hard-won victories and are a beautiful way to express congratulations and admiration. Whether for graduations, promotions, or other significant milestones, the amaryllis is a meaningful gift that embodies the essence of accomplishment.
Selecting and Caring for Amaryllis Bulbs: When it comes to amaryllis bulbs, the size matters. Larger bulbs, usually 2-5 inches in diameter, contain more stored energy, resulting in more abundant flowers with thicker, stronger stems. I have personally found that the larger the bulb, the more unpredictable the bulb bloom time. However, it will give you more blooms and bloom stalks.
Planting and Care: Planting your amaryllis is a straightforward process. Place the bulb in a pot with drainage holes, ideally one inch wider and twice as tall as the bulb for proper root development. Choose a well-draining potting mix and plant the bulb so that at least one-third of it protrudes from the soil. Leave about an inch of space between the soil and the pot's rim to prevent water spillage. After planting, water the amaryllis thoroughly, allowing excess water to drain. Place the pot in a sunny window, keeping the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water when the top two inches of soil feel dry.
You might consider staking your plant. Sometimes they get so top heavy the flowers can snap off.
What to do after they bloom: As the amaryllis blossoms grace your home, remember to cut off fading flowers to prevent seed formation. Allowing seeds to form can deplete the plant's energy and reduce blooming in subsequent years.
Once the flower stalks begin to yellow, you can remove them, but it's essential to leave the leaves, as they play a vital role in creating energy for future flower growth.
Getting Amaryllis to Rebloom: To encourage your amaryllis to bloom again, it needs a period of dormancy, typically lasting eight to twelve weeks. This dormancy is achieved by placing the plant in a cool, dark location with temperatures between 45°F and 55°F. During this period, refrain from watering the plant. Once the leaves turn yellow, they can be removed.
Keep an eye on the bulbs during this time. If they start to grow, move them to a sunny window. If not, water the soil thoroughly and place them in a warmer, sunnier location. After signs of growth appear, resume watering and fertilizing. Expect beautiful blooms to return approximately four to six weeks after this dormant period.
Waxed Amaryllis Bulbs: Waxed amaryllis are a trend where the bulbs are waxed and the roots removed. A wire is inserted into the bottom of the bulb so it stands up on its own. The bulb is then sealed in wax for the holiday season.
Since the bulb is sealed in wax it doesn’t need to be watered or potted in soil. It is intended to be thrown away after use. However, it is possible to save it once you have removed the wire and wax and planted it.
Conclusion: The amaryllis, with its mythical origins and rich symbolism, is not just a garden favorite, but a powerful messenger of love, determination, and success. As you go into the holiday season, consider adding amaryllis bulbs to infuse your indoor space with their vibrant beauty and the timeless stories they tell. Embrace the amaryllis and let its blossoms speak to you of love, determination, and the sparkles of success in your own life.
Want to learn more about this beautiful plant and the mythology behind it?