Amaryllis is a member of the Hippeastrum family. Its botanical name is Hippeastrum.
The bulbous plant often called amaryllis is correctly known, horticulturally and botanically, as Hippeastrum. Bulbs for sale in shops are hybrids.
The true Amaryllis is a slightly tender, bulbous plant, Amaryllis belladonna, which is normally grown out of doors in a well-drained border against a warm sunny wall.
Blooms normally display as a colour very similar to Red and White. When mature, blooms are roughly 22.0 cm (that's 8.58 inches in imperial) in diameter.The mature flowers take a single form, with an approximate petal count of 6. Leaves usually appear in Islamic green colour. Amaryllis is a flowering non-edible houseplant / flower perennial, it will last at least up to several years in its native climate. Amaryllis is known for its erect habit and growing to a height of approximately 75.0 cm (2.44 feet). This plant tends to bloom in mid spring. Try planting Amaryllis if you'd like to attract bees to your garden. Popular varieties of Amaryllis with home gardeners are Red Lion, Apple Blossom, Minerva, Papilio, and -.Argentina is believed to be where Amaryllis originates from.
Amaryllis tends to need a moderate amount of maintenance, so ensuring that you are aware of the soil, sun, ph and water requirements for this plant is quite important to ensure you have a happy and healthy plant.
This plant info is provided by the myfolia gardener's wiki. All details about Amaryllis have been kindly provided by our members.
How to grow Amaryllis
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Indoor
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Dappled Sun
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Low
Hippeastrums do not like wet feet and will easily rot given too much water. It is best to water them sparingly and let them completely dry out before watering again. Potting mix should be sharply draining. Flowering occurs under bright light and warmth (72°F+ – 24ºC). Blooming can be stalled, if desired, by moving the plant to cooler and darker conditions.
Enjoys a indoor lighting / dappled sun position in your garden and remember to apply water fairly sparingly. Zone 10 to 11 are typically the USDA Hardiness Zones that are appropriate for this plant (although this can vary based on your microclimate). Amaryllis is generally regarded as a tender plant, so remember to wait until your soil is warm and the night time temperature is well above freezing before moving outside.Growing Amaryllis from seed
Just lay on surface of compost & lightly cover with compost. Germinate best with a little warmth. Look for seeds with a slight bump in them as only these are viable seeds.
By our calculations*, you should look at sowing Amaryllis about 0 days after your last frost date .
Transplanting Amaryllis
It must be remembered that these bulbs take 4 years to flower from seed. They need to be potted on each year till they reach flowering size after which they can be left in the same pot for several years. It must also be remembered that these bulbs will rot very quickly if left in water logged pots so after watering it is advisable to empty saucers of any excess water. They tolerate dryness much better than excess water. Do not be tempted to put into bigger pots right away but move them up a size each year. They flower better in cramped conditions. The bulb’s shoulders should be 5cm above the compost level. The bulb should NOT be buried otherwise it will rot.
Amaryllis is tender, so ensure you wait until all danger of frost has passed in your area before considering planting outside - as a guideline, the minimum temperature outside should be approximately 15°C / 59°F.By our calculations*, you should look at planting out Amaryllis about 0 days after your last frost date.
Harvesting Amaryllis
Not applicable to Hippeastrum
Seed Saving Amaryllis
These plants can set seed very easily. If you want to save the big seedpods after flowering it is essential to keep the bulb growing in good light conditions. Feeding is helpful to keep the plant’s strength up & to ensure good viability of seed. A seedpod will form like a small green apple with 3 clearly marked bulges. When the pod is ready to harvest the skin will turn brown & will dry out & the pods will split open revealing rows of tightly packed thin black discs with a small bulge, if the seed is viable. The seeds germinate best the soon they are sown. If kept in an airtight container in a cool, dark place they will be viable for some time afterwards.
Companion plants for Amaryllis
These plants have been known to grow well alongside Amaryllis so consider planting:
Not applicable to Hippeastrum
Repellent plants for Amaryllis
These plants will not grow well with Amaryllis so avoid planting these within close proximity:
Not applicable to Hippeastrum
Common Amaryllis problems
These problems, diseases and pests are known to affect Amaryllis plants:
Rot, from overwatering & leaving bulbs standing in water.
Narcissus Fly. Grubs bore into bulb just above the basal plate & feed inside the bulb. A tiny hole is visible which is the grub’s entrance. By the time damage is evident it is too late to save most bulbs & they should be disposed of.
Other names for Amaryllis
Amaryllis
Latest Amaryllis Reviews
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24 Mar 2013
orientallily's Amaryllis, Vera was Reviewed day 148
Much nicer flower than I expected. Will grow more. Bloomed later than others planted at the same time. Faint, freesia-like scent. Strongest when sun is shining and air is warm.
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02 Sep 2012
Amarylis's Amaryllis was
Reviewed day 9
I have 2 bulbs which are now flowering again. One is solid red & the other is white with red veining. They have been growing outdoors since May 2012. They are very rewarding plants!
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01 May 2012 Amarylis's Amaryllis '-' was
Reviewed day 4
Amaryllis (Hippeastrums) are very easy to grow. My plants flower every year & I have grown them all from my own seed. My fav is a White with red veining flower which are huge & every bulb is different
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01 Feb 2012
Tralamander's Hippeastrum 'Apple Blossom' was
Reviewed day 73
Gorgrous plants are all the hippies, but I thought this was particularly delighful. Candy-coloured and full of intricate detail, and so easy… the first year. I’m willing to make the effort for next year! :D
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04 Dec 2011 Amarylis's Amaryllis was
Reviewed day 43
My Amaryllis have begun flowering again! This is the third time they have started blooming! I had the first, main flush in April/May. Then a 2nd time in the summer & now a few more are flowering!
Amaryllis care instructions
How long does Amaryllis take to grow?
When should I plant Amaryllis?
Our when to plant Amaryllis estimates are relative to your last frost date. Enter your frost dates and we'll calculate your sowing and planting dates for you!
Footnotes
Popular varieties of Amaryllis
Amaryllis Forums
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Also known as Amaryllis (which is botanically incorrect) Hippeastrum cultivars are popular plants producing large spe...
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