Amaryllis is a flowering bulb belonging to the genus Hippaestrum. It is exclusively native to the Cape Provinces of South Africa.
These striking flowers and the ease with which they can be propagated make Amaryllis one of the most popular flowers in the world.
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How to propagate Amaryllis
To propagate Amaryllis, you can either use its bulbs or plant from seeds. When using the bulbs, make sure they don’t have any signs of decay before planting them in well-draining soil. When using the seeds, make sure to pick them as soon as the seed pods turn yellow before planting them in the soil.
Considerations in Propagating Amaryllis
Some of the following aspects should be kept in mind while trying to propagate Amaryllis.
Flowering bulbs
Amaryllis bulbs come in various shapes and conditions and it is essential that the bulbs are of good quality to ensure the proper blooming of the flower.
When choosing Amaryllis bulbs, make sure to purchase the larger ones as they will produce more stalks and eventually, more flowers.
The bulbs should be dry with no spots or signs of mold and decay.
Planting and Soil
Amaryllis blooms adequately in a container at least twice as large as the bulb and a little wider with holes for draining excess water. Sufficient drainage reduces the prospect of root rot.
Fill the container with nutritious soil high in organic matter such as peat moss up to the neck of the bulb or until only one-third of the bulb is visible.
Watering
Water your amaryllis until the soil is thoroughly moist and drain the excess. Amaryllis should be watered every time the top soil’s dry.
The container should also be drained of excess water adequately.
Water the plant moderately until stalks start appearing and gradually start watering more.
Light and Temperature
Amaryllis should be placed in bright, indirect sunlight after being watered and drained.
Keep rotating your pot to ensure uniform exposure to sunlight so the stalk grows straight.
Amaryllis are tropical plants that thrive in warm temperatures.
The ideal temperature for their development is 68-70 degrees Fahrenheit. They grow poorly in frosty soil.
Propagation of Amaryllis from seed
Amaryllis can also be propagated from seeds.
However, this way is usually not preferred because it is much more time-consuming and requires more care.
Depending on their variety, Amaryllis grows in three to five years from seeds.
Some people prefer propagating Amaryllis from seeds because they can hybridize easily and you can create new and unique hybrids and be rewarded with their beautiful flowers.
Caring for Amaryllis in Spring
Amaryllis loves sunshine and they grow best in spring when the temperature at night reaches at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
They can become accustomed to the outside easily by placing it in a bright, shaded area that gets a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight.
Caring for Amaryllis in Fall
Amaryllis do not grow well in frost and it is imperative that they are brought indoors in late summer, before the first frost of winter approaches.
As fall approaches, the flowers begin to wilt or fade. However, if handled properly and given a little extra care, they can be made to bloom again.
Amaryllis don’t require dormancy, but if they’re forced, you can control their bloom time.
Amaryllis blooms in 10 weeks so if you want them to grow during holiday periods such as Christmas, count back 10-12 weeks from Christmas to determine when to start repotting it.
In mid or late August, bring your Amaryllis indoors and stop watering it. Let the plant die down naturally as the container dries out.
Cut the leaves about 2 inches from the top of the bulbs and remove them from the soil.
To induce dormancy in your Amaryllis bulbs, place them in a cool and dark place such as your basement or refrigerator for a minimum of 6 weeks.
Make sure not to place them in a moist area which may promote the growth of pests and root rot.
After the rest period, move your Amaryllis to a warm and sunny spot and resume watering.
Leaves will start appearing shortly, followed by blooms.
Pests and Diseases
Careful inspection of bulbs before buying is important for the prevention of pests and diseases because control is usually difficult.
Wet soil that has not been drained properly usually attracts fungus and pests and advances root decay.
The most common pests that attack Amaryllis are spider mites and mealybugs. Outdoor Amaryllis can be attacked by slugs and snails.
The narcissus bulb fly infests Amaryllis and leads to a yellow, distorted and wilted appearance of the plant.
The exterior of the plant may look normal but the inside is usually rotten.
The use of insecticides on the maggots is usually ineffective so it is preferred to dispose of any infested bulbs.
Amaryllis may also develop a fungal disease such as red blotch.
Red blotch affects the exterior of the plant by distorting the flower stalks and the appearance of cankers. You can treat this infection with a systemic fungicide.
To prevent pests and diseases, the container in which Amaryllis is propagated should always be well-drained and any pruners or stakes used on infected plants should be cleaned and wiped with alcohol to prevent the transfer of disease.
Frequently Asked Questions About How To Propagate Amaryllis
How should I care differently to propagate my indoor Amaryllis?
Indoors Amaryllis should be given the same care as outdoors Amaryllis. However, since indoors Amaryllis can not receive the same amount of sunlight exposure as outdoors and not photosynthesize adequately, make sure to keep fertilizing it monthly. This will aid in building up the nutrients in the bulb and prepare it for flowering for the next year.
What is the Best Time to Section Bulbls from Garden
August till November is the most suitable time for sectioning of bulbs from the garden.
Can we cut the leaves of Amaryllis?
Cutting the leaves of Amaryllis can weaken the plant, which is why it is never advised to cut the leaves. However, the stem of the plant can be cut off.
Daniel has been a plant enthusiast for over 20 years. He owns hundreds of houseplants and prepares for the chili growing seasons yearly with great anticipation. His favorite plants are plant species in the Araceae family, such as Monstera, Philodendron, and Anthurium. He also loves gardening and is growing hot peppers, tomatoes, and many more vegetables.