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Amaryllis

SCENTIFIC NAME: Hippeastrum

KNOWN AS: belladonna lily, Jersey lily, naked lady, amarillo, Easter lily

CLIMATE (LOCATION): South America | Subtropical

DESCRIPTION: Amaryllis is a beautiful flowering plant with large showy blooms that typically appear in winter or early spring. The plant features tall, sturdy stems that rise above a cluster of long, strap-like leaves and produce large, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of red, pink, white, or striped varieties. Amaryllis is a popular houseplant that is easy to grow and care for, requiring minimal attention once established. With their vibrant colors and impressive size, amaryllis flowers are a favorite of gardeners and flower enthusiasts alike.

Easy difficulty & pet toxic

Amaryllis Plant Care

Lighting

Light Requirement: High Light (Bright Indirect Light); Low Light Tolerant

Bright, indirect light is ideal for an indoor amaryllis plant. Be sure to avoid direct sunshine as it can burn the leaves of the amaryllis. Place your amaryllis near a north or east-facing window or in a sunny place with indirect light. To prevent their leaves from becoming yellow or brown, keep them out of low light and out of direct sun.

Watering

Quick Tip: Water until water comes out of drainage holes. Allow top 2 inches of soil to completely dry between waterings.

The watering method for indoor amaryllis plants requires a bit of care and attention. These plants prefer to be kept evenly moist but not waterlogged, so it's important to monitor the soil moisture level and water as needed. It's best to water amaryllis plants with room temperature, non-chlorinated water, as they are sensitive to chemicals in tap water. When watering, be sure to thoroughly saturate the soil until water drains out of the bottom of the pot, but avoid leaving the plant sitting in standing water, as this can lead to root rot. It's important to allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering, but be careful not to let the plant wilt, as this can cause damage. In general, amaryllis plants need more water during the growing season when they are actively growing and flowering, and less water during their dormant phase. It's important to monitor the plant's response to the watering schedule and adjust as needed based on environmental conditions and the plant's growth stage. With proper care, amaryllis plants can produce stunning blooms and add a burst of color to any indoor space.

Temperature

Preferred Temperature: 60º - 75º

Amaryllis plants prefer warm temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C) during the day and a minimum of 55°F (13°C) at night. It's important to avoid exposing the plant to temperatures below 50°F (10°C), as this can cause damage to the plant. Additionally, it's important to avoid exposing the plant to sudden changes in temperature or drafts, as this can cause the buds to drop.

Humidity

Preferred Humidity: 40 - 60%; Moderate Humidity

Amaryllis plants prefer moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 40% to 60%. Humidity is especially important when the plant is in its active growth and blooming phase. Low humidity levels can cause the plant to suffer from dry foliage and flowers, while high humidity levels can increase the risk of fungal diseases. To increase humidity levels around the plant, you can mist the foliage regularly, place a tray of water near the plant, or use a humidifier. It's important to avoid getting water on the blooms, as this can cause damage.

Additional Plant Care

Propagation of amaryllis plants can be done through bulb division. To do this, gently remove the bulbs from the soil and separate any smaller bulbs that have formed at the base of the main bulb. Ensure that each bulb has a healthy root system and a portion of the underground stem attached. Dust the bulbs with a fungicide and let them dry for a few hours before planting them in fresh, well-draining potting soil. Water thoroughly and place in a bright, warm location, taking care not to overwater. It may take a few weeks for the bulbs to establish themselves and begin producing new growth, but with proper care, they should thrive and produce blooms in a few months, just give it some time!
Propagation
Amaryllis plants are considered toxic to pets and humans due to the presence of lycorine, a toxic alkaloid found in the bulbs and leaves. It is important to keep amaryllis plants out of reach of children and pets and to seek immediate medical attention if ingestion or exposure occurs.
Toxicity
To repot an Amaryllis plant, wait until the plant has finished flowering and the leaves have begun to die back. Gently remove the plant from its old pot and carefully loosen any tangled or compacted roots. Choose a new pot that is one size larger than the current pot and has drainage holes. Fill the bottom of the pot with a layer of small stones or gravel to aid drainage. Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a mix of peat moss, perlite, and sand, and fill the pot about a third of the way. Place the plant in the new pot and add more soil around the root ball, pressing it down lightly to remove any air pockets. Water the plant thoroughly and place it in a sunny location with indirect light. Additionally, consider adding a layer of mulch to help retain moisture and improve drainage.
Repotting
To prune an Amaryllis plant, wait until the plant has finished flowering and the leaves have begun to yellow and wither. Cut the flower stalk to within an inch or two of the bulb, using sharp, clean shears. Remove the yellowing leaves, cutting them as close to the bulb as possible. If the leaves are still green, leave them on the plant until they begin to yellow and wither, then remove them. Do not cut off more than one-third of the leaves at a time, as this can shock the plant. Additionally, remove any dead or damaged roots from the bulb. After pruning, water the plant thoroughly and place it in a sunny location with indirect light. Resume regular watering and fertilization, and the plant should produce new leaves and possibly another flower stalk in a few weeks to months.
Pruning
Amaryllis plants require regular fertilization during the growing season to maintain their health and promote flowering. Use a water-soluble, high-phosphorus fertilizer and apply it to the soil every two to four weeks during the growing season, which is typically spring and summer. Follow the package instructions carefully, and avoid over-fertilizing the plant, as this can lead to salt buildup in the soil and burn the roots. It's important to water the plant thoroughly before fertilizing to avoid burning the roots and to avoid fertilizing the plant during the dormant season when it is not actively growing. Amaryllis plants prefer slightly acidic soil, so consider using a fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants. Regular fertilization can help keep the plant looking healthy, promote new growth, and stimulate flower buds for the next season. Additionally, using a fertilizer with a higher potassium content can encourage the plant to produce more vibrant flowers. Make sure to water the plant regularly to help prevent fertilizer burn and to maintain the plant's health. After the flowering season, gradually reduce the frequency of fertilization until the plant enters dormancy.
Fertilizer
Amaryllis plants prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter and slightly acidic. A recommended soil mixture consists of equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite, with some compost added in to increase the organic content. It is important to avoid using soil that contains too much sand, as this can cause the soil to dry out too quickly. Additionally, amaryllis plants should be grown in a pot with drainage holes to prevent water from accumulating in the soil, as this can cause root rot. The soil should be kept evenly moist, but not soaked, and the plant should be watered with room-temperature water to avoid shocking the roots. With the right soil conditions and proper care, amaryllis plants can produce stunning blooms in a variety of colors.
Soil
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Hanging Heights

Amaryllis Lighting Requirements: High Light (Bright Indirect Light); Low Light Tolerant

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