Lovers of exotic flowers, which thrive in our region with the right care, have several species to choose from. One of them is amaryllis. Although it does not belong to the list of the most widespread, it does not lag behind the most frequently grown species in anything.
There are several reasons why amaryllis gains a place in households. In addition to beautiful full-color flowers, it will also please with its unpretentiousness, resilience or the possibility of growing it outdoors in the garden and indoors. In both cases, it is a guarantee of reviving the atmosphere and diversifying the environment, which makes the aromatic plant a companion suitable for every household.
Where did the amaryllis come from?
Most exotic species grown in our country originate in Asia or the Mediterranean. However, amaryllis does not belong to this majority. He came to Europe from faraway Latin America. However, its exact origin is not completely known. The plant has been present in Bolivia, Argentina and Brazil for several centuries. Other sources state that 2 specific species came to the old continent from the dry and hot deserts in South Africa.
How do we recognize amaryllis?
- Amaryllis is an onion, planted in a pot of larger onions.
- Typical features are larger flowers with a full-color appearance.
- Their shape resembles the flowers of the pupils, with which they are quite similar.
- The flowers grow from a longer stem, which has a slender green appearance.
- They are most often pink in color; red flowers are also common.
- At present, bred two-colored varieties are already grown.
- Amaryllis also has its typical fruits, which are the so-called capsules.
Where can amaryllis be grown?
Despite its exotic origin, amaryllis also clings to local conditions. Thanks to the famous unpretentiousness and good ability to adapt, it can also grow outside in the garden. More often, however, it is grown indoors as an ornamental houseplant. In this case, the care is even easier. In particular, we will avoid relocating it in the autumn and subsequent wintering, to which we unnecessarily subject it to drastic change.
Suitable conditions for planting
Location
Exotic origins cannot be denied in an elegant plant. The location in a well-lit place will be ideal for growing in our region. If we decide to grow outdoors, we can also place it in direct sunlight. In the case of indoor cultivation, it is recommended to place the flowerpot on the windowsill in a room where the air is drier.
Temperature
The temperature that must be given to the plant is also related to the exotic origin. In the case of indoor cultivation, it is recommended to keep it at a level of around 20 ° C during the growing season. When grown outdoors, we can only influence the temperature by placing the plant in the specified sunny place, where there is plenty of warm sunlight.
Substrate
Soil selection is also key to healthy growth. Each amaryllis will appreciate a slightly acidic substrate, into which we mix soil from the steam room, or a little quality organic fertilizer. Gardeners recommend adding a piece of river sand to the bottom of the flowerpot or mixing it directly into the substrate, which will protect the roots from rotting.
How to plant amaryllis?
As a proper bulb, amaryllis is always planted from bulbs. You can buy them in any good garden center, or in the online store. Subsequently, the onions are stored in a dark place until the first signs of stems appear. Then it is possible to plant them in a pot so that about a third of the onion remains protruding from the substrate. The seated amaryllis is then watered or slightly fertilized and the process of its growth begins.
What kind of care does amaryllis require?
Topping
With proper watering, we are not in danger of rotting the roots or other damage to the plant due to increased humidity. However, watering is necessary, ideally once a day, at most once every two days. In summer, we can reduce water doses a bit. Even less water is needed for amaryllis during the winter. When it is enough to water once every two weeks and occasionally gently sprinkle the leaves.
Fertilization
Good fertilization must be followed. It is fertilized regularly, but only until the beginning of the growing season, which begins sometime in the second half of August. Fertilization is recommended with organic fertilizers specially adapted for fertilizing houseplants.
Transplanting
As part of the care for amaryllis, we also have to be transplanted. This must be done after 2 to 3 years, when the plant will need more space. When transplanting, we place it on a larger flowerpot, in which we prepare the required substrate. Subsequently, we transplant the amaryllis into it and continue with the usual care of the plant.
Prevention
The right way of watering, fertilizing and transplanting also becomes a prevention against possible diseases. It leads to healthy growth, which makes amaryllis stronger and more resistant to various pests or diseases. Beware, however, of the common problems with breaking the stem, which is damaged under the weight of large flowers. At the time of the beginning of flowering, it is recommended to support the plant with a tied mallet, which will give it the necessary support.
Although amaryllis is a fairly resistant houseplant and is only rarely subject to disease with proper care, certain diseases can endanger it. These are usually caused by inappropriate care, which is quickly reflected in the formation of larger red spots on the leaves. Another symptom is that the plant does not bloom. Even in this case, however, it is only the wrong care, which can be changed at any time and thus restore the plant’s vitality.
