A new year brings new experiences and a new job opportunity for me. I've been so busy! So many changes going on has made me lag behind in blog posts. For that I apologize.
Here is my amaryllis bulb that I saved from last years post. Unfortunately, I grossly delayed in getting it potted up for it to flower during the Christmas season. However, the bulb is still viable and will demonstrate how to get it growing again.
It's best to select a pot that is only an inch or so wider in diameter than the bulb itself. You don't want the bulb to swim in a lot of growing compound.
This Amaryllis bulb has atrophied quite a bit due to my neglect. But it's still firm and has green colouration on the collar and bulb bulge. Here I removed as much dry skin and dry roots as possible. Removing that prevents rot and it also allows more light to hit the bulb, helping to initiate growth again.
Add just a bit of potting soil at the base of the pot. Here I only added about an inch and a half worth. Tuck roots nicely underneath the bulb. Make sure the bulb stands tall in the pot, so that its collar and the top of the bulb remains exposed.
Add enough potting soil to reach the crest at the top of the bulb and tamp down.
Water enough to just dampen the soil at first. In a day or two, test the soil to see how dry/moist it is and water until just moist to the touch. You just want enough moisture, not too much watering at this stage.
Place in a sunny window and wait about a week before you start to see a leaf emerge. As it begins to grow and send out leaves, water more generously. Remove it from the decorative pot to see if it sits in water. If so, drain excess water so it won't rot out. Enjoy!
Here are other Heidihorticulture posts regarding the care of Amaryllis bulbs.
I chose the Amaryllis this January as the plant of the month simply because I have enjoyed watching the one I received bloom throughout the past 4 weeks. I just love it!
For those who are new to this plant, the Amaryllis originated in South America's tropical regions and has the botanical nameHippeastrum. It's available in Ontario, around late fall, up until January. The larger size of bulb, the larger the flower and the possibility of 2-3 bloom stalks. This bulb was about 24cm in diametre, and considered average.
Most bulbs come in kits - pot, saucer, soil all included. It's also offered in single bulbs as well. Colours ranging in the reds, pinks, bi-colours, and whites.
Planting depth is key when it comes to this bulb, as one needs to plant it with its shoulder and neck exposed. Please don't ever be confused with other assortments of fall bulbs. This is a tropical bulb; it will be damaged if it comes into contact with frost, making it perfect for indoor planting.
Once planted, just a little watering now and again when the soil is dry to the touch, and you're all set!
It's been amazing to see it grow from this...
...to this!
I decided to photograph the progress of the blooms every day and put together a collage of photos. I assembled these selections, showing their difference as the bloom unfurls.
It's hard to believe that such a large flower emerges from a bulb, the size of a fist. Found this great Youtube video of an Amaryllis blooming, captured with time-lapse photography.
This one shows the full flower, even up to its end. :(
Now that my Amaryllis is in full bloom, I will continue to keep the blooms hydrated, watering about once a week and I will add some All Purpose liquid plant food to help strengthen the bulb and encourage great leaf growth. When my Amaryllis blooms start to wither, I will post (here is the post) methods to save, renew and re-establish the bulb for future enjoyment!
