Her opposing growth and flowering cycles challenge us. The subtropical amaryllis only fulfills the hopes for a lavish winter bloom if it is given prudent care in the fall. All relevant details about professional cultivation are summarized here in a practical way.

Fall care is particularly important to prepare the amaryllis for flowering

The autumn rest period begins in August

A knight star goes through its growth phase from May to July. This is determined by a constant supply of water and nutrients. At this time, the elegant, narrow leaves thrive to support the formation of buds inside the bulb. This cycle does not end abruptly. Instead, gradually accompany your Hippeastrum into its autumn vegetation break during the course of August. How to do it right:

  • Gradually shut off the water supply over the course of August
  • From the beginning of the month do not fertilize the knight star
  • Keep the semi-shady, warm spot in the garden until the end of the month

Corresponding to the degradation of the water and nutrient balance, the leaves begin to wither. Please do not cut off the leaves at this point so that the nutrients they contain can be transferred to the bulb.

Tips for the regeneration phase

At the beginning of September, your knight star moves to a dark place where the mercury column oscillates between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius. All growth has now come to a halt. The plant is neither watered nor fertilized until November. The only active care measure is to cut off the withered leaves.

Repotting in November awakens the floral spirit

Activate your knight star in November by repotting the bulb in fresh substrate. Please make sure that no more than one thumb fits between the edge of the pot and the tuber. Also, a third or half of the amaryllis bulb should be exposed. From now on keep the potting soil slightly moist at the bright, warm window seat. The nutrient supply, on the other hand, only starts when the leaves begin to grow.

tips

Resourceful florists use this trick to ensure that a knight's star in the bouquet and in the vase does not snap under the weight of its majestic blossoms: A narrow floral wire is inserted into the hollow stem from the point of intersection to give the hippeastrum additional stability.

Category:

Vegetable garden