Amaryllis: An Elegant and Striking Flower
Amaryllis is a popular flower known for its large, trumpet-shaped blooms in vibrant colours like red, white, and pink. While these are the three colours that are most commonly available in flower shops, there are around 100 different varieties of amaryllis in total. Native to South America, the amaryllis is a favourite for Christmas decorations. Symbolising pride, determination, and beauty, its name comes from the Greek "amarysso," meaning "to sparkle." Amaryllis represents beauty, love, and strength, making it perfect for festive occasions and uplifting spirits.
Care Tips for Cut Amaryllis
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Watering: Keep the vase filled with fresh water, changing it every 2-3 days.
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Trimming: Cut stems at a diagonal every few days to improve water absorption.
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Vase Choice: Choose a tall, sturdy vase, as amaryllis flowers have heavy, top-heavy blooms.
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Temperature: Keep the flowers in a cool room away from direct sunlight and drafts, which can shorten the lifespan.
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Support: As the stems grow and bend, you can support them with stakes or floral wire.
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Flower Food: Add flower food to the water to help extend the bloom period.
COMMON NAME
Amaryllis
BOTANICAL NAME
Hippeastrum
ORIGIN
Native to South America (Andes)
PEOPLE ALSO CALL IT
Belladonna lily, naked lady
FLOWERING TIME
Winter (blooms in late fall to winter)
ASPECT
Full sun to partial shade
SYMBOLISM
Pride, beauty, determination, love
Symbolism & Meaning
Amaryllis symbolizes pride, strength, and determination, reflecting its ability to bloom even in the harshest conditions. The flower is also associated with beauty and love, often used to convey admiration or to celebrate festive occasions. In mythology, amaryllis represents a dramatic and enchanting beauty that captivates and enchants those who behold it, making it a popular choice for expressing affection and appreciation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Amaryllis
When your amaryllis has finished blooming, remove the flower stalk. It’s important for the leaves to grow now, as they produce the nutrients needed for a new stalk next year. (Note: This process won’t work with a waxed bulb.) Care for the plant as well as you can by providing fresh soil, enough water, and plenty of light until about June/July.
In summer, the bulbs can also be placed outdoors, as long as the temperature stays above 15°C. In August, place the bulb in a cool spot at around 12°C for two months. During this time, the leaves will die back, and the bulb will form a new flower inside. A dry and cool place, like a basement, is ideal. During these two months, you don’t need to do anything else.
After two months, take the bulb out of the cool space and place it in a warm spot (around 20°C). If you’ve cared for the bulb properly, it will produce a new flower stalk. With excellent care, it might even grow two or three flower stalks.
When placing the bulb in cold storage, you can do so with the leaves still attached. During the cooling phase, the leaves will die back and turn brown. Once you bring the bulb back indoors, you should remove the brown leaves. However, do not cut back the green leaves if you want the bulb to bloom again.
Planting the Bulb: Use a well-draining pot with a good quality potting mix. Position the bulb so that the top third remains above the soil.
Watering: Water sparingly until growth appears, then water more frequently, keeping the soil moist but not soggy.
Light and Temperature: Place the amaryllis in a warm, sunny spot with indirect light. A temperature range of 20-25°C is ideal.
Fertilising: Feed the plant every two weeks during the growth period with a balanced fertiliser to support the development of leaves and flowers.
Staking: As the flower stalk grows, it may need staking for support.
Reblooming: After blooming, follow the post-bloom care steps above to ensure the bulb regains its energy for the next season.
Treat the bulb like a houseplant. Make sure the soil doesn’t get too wet, as this is the biggest risk for things to go wrong. Water sparingly until growth appears, then water more frequently, keeping the soil moist but not soggy. Place the amaryllis in a warm, sunny spot with indirect light. A temperature range of 20-25°C is ideal. As the flower stalk grows, it may need staking for support.
It depends on the room temperature, in good conditions, you can enjoy the flower for about two weeks.