Flexibility dominates in the care program for an amaryllis. It begins with the variable planting time, continues with an adaptive flowering time and is ultimately expressed in adequate pruning. That sounds more complicated than it really is, because a knight's star signals the perfect date. Read here how and when to cut off dead plant parts.

Withered flowers should be removed unless seed formation is desired

Withered blossoms call for the scissors

With the end of winter, the flowering period of your amaryllis is also coming to an end. So that the subtropical flower beauty does not invest its last energy reserves in the growth of seed heads, you should cut off faded flowers promptly. Since not all flowers on the main stem wilt at the same time, do it the right way:

  • Put on gloves to avoid coming into contact with the poisonous plant sap
  • Using clean, sharp scissors, snip a wilted flower off the main stem at the peduncle
  • Only cut back the main shaft of the knight's star to 5 cm when it has yellowed

The intense dye in the petals can cause unsightly stains on tablecloths and windowsills that can only be removed with special cleaning. To prevent this shortcoming, pluck off individual withered petals before they fall off.

Green leaves are spared by the scissors

One of the special characteristics of an amaryllis is that the leaves do not sprout until late and remain on the plant throughout the summer. At the end of its flowering period, the subtropical hippeastrum enters a summer growth phase, during which the leaves perform an important function.

As you continue to water and fertilize a knight star from April to July, a new bud will develop deep within the bulb. The vital photosynthesis for this process takes place via the leaves. At worst, if you cut back the green foliage, you will rob yourself of the next bloom.

Knight star signals the right date

In August, stop supplying water and nutrients. After you have put the knight star in a cool, dark resting place in September, the leaves will die off. Now the onion extracts the remaining nutrients from the leaves. Once this process is complete, you can safely cut off all the dried leaves.

tips

If you do not cut off faded flowers, clearly visible fruits will develop within 6 to 8 weeks, bulging with valuable seeds. Harvest the ripe seeds and sow them on coconut substrate. Until the first flowering after 3 to 4 years, keep the seedlings in a bright, warm location throughout - without the autumn dormant phase of an adult amaryllis.

Category:

Vegetable garden