In the dark season, the amaryllis with its exotic flowers is a colorful eye-catcher. Depending on how warm the knight star is, it embellishes the windowsill for about two weeks. After that, unfortunately, many plants end up in the organic waste, which is a pity, because the bulbs will sprout again and again if they are cared for properly. In the following article we will introduce you to amaryllis in more detail and give you valuable care tips.
Amaryllis blooms when other plants are deep in hibernation
Plant profile:
- Botanical Name: Amaryllis, Hippeastrum
- Order: Asparagales (Asparagus-like)
- Family: Amaryllidaceae
- Genus: Amaryllis
- Growth: Perennial herbaceous onion plant.
- Height of growth: 50 to 100 centimeters high.
- Main flowering period: November to March.
- Leaves: Strap-like, basal, dark green in colour.
- Blossom: The plant has two to four large, horizontally protruding, slightly hanging blossoms per stem that can grow up to thirty centimeters in size.
- Flower shape: Exotic looking, funnel-shaped.
- Flower color: From white to pink to strong red. Multicolored flowers possible.
Particularities:
The name Amaryllis is the trivial name for the knight star. However, the real amaryllis blooms in the summer months. This bulb flower is also known as belladonna lily and came to our latitudes from southern Africa as early as the middle of the 18th century.
The knight stars cultivated on the windowsill during the winter months, on the other hand, were only discovered later in South America and were initially also assigned to the genus Amaryllis because of their visual similarity. Since 1987 they have been regarded as a separate plant genus with around 70 species and over 600 cultivated forms. The attractive plant is still sold under the name Amaryllis.
origin
The wild species of amaryllis come from Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina. The knight star is widespread in southern Africa.
location and care
The amaryllis has three growth phases in which it places very different demands on the site. During the summer months, the onion will sprout again. It then prefers a semi-shady or shady place where the temperature is between 24 and 26 degrees.
In autumn, the amaryllis takes a break. It should then be kept cool and darker, for example in the basement. About 16 degrees is ideal.
The subsequent flowering period falls in the winter months. Unfortunately, the exotic plant quickly withers in warm living spaces. In order for the flower to last as long as possible, you should place the Ritterstern in a light and cool place. Day temperatures of around 20 degrees are ideal, which drop to 16 degrees at night.
Once the amaryllis has faded, it needs a cold place where the temperature does not fall below ten degrees. The leaves should stay on the bulb until they dry up.
substrate
Conventional houseplant soil works well. You can mix these with some clay granules as the amaryllis prefers very permeable soil.
watering and fertilizing
You should water the Ritterstern regularly during the growth and flowering phase. It has proven itself to pour over the coaster. In this way, the amaryllis can get exactly the amount of water it needs and the root ball does not get too wet.
If the flower begins to wither, fertilize for the first time. Then add commercially available liquid fertilizer to the irrigation water on a monthly basis. Fertilize every 14 days during the main growing season from April. Stop fertilizing from August.
repot
If necessary, place the bulb in a new container about two months before the desired flowering date. Alternatively, you can remove the top layer of substrate and replace it with fresh potting soil.
diseases and pests
The amaryllis is quite hardy. Occasionally "Red Burner" appears, a fungus caused by mite infestation. Unfortunately, there is no remedy for this disease. Dispose of affected plants immediately with household waste.
The occasionally occurring thrips and mites can be easily combated with pesticides.
tips
The knight star is very poisonous in all parts. The highest concentration is found in the storage tissue of the onions. Therefore, the amaryllis should not be placed within the reach of children or pets.