August 1996
Long slender straplike medium green
leaves originating from base of bulbous
plant.
2-4 very large lily-like flowers on top
of a 1 - 2 ft. hollow leafless stalk.
White and Red, Red, White, Pink, Bi-Colored
Remove faded blossoms. Place in high light and contine to water and fertilize. Many people cut back water and fertilizer during summer and resume normal care in the fall, but this is not necessary.
December to May
Small container.
Low to medium to high. Tolerates most light levels well.
Frequent. Water thoroughly, keep soil evenly moist to touch (not saturated). Don't let sit in water.
Cool - medium. 50 - 70 (degrees F) days, 45 - 65 nights.
Average house
Every month during growing season.
1 to 2 parts sphagnum peat moss, 1 part vermiculite, 1 part sterilized loam, and 1 part clean coarse sand or Perlite.
Offsets of bulbs
Select plant with bright, clear colored flowers. If bulbs are purchased, they should be large and firm.
Moderate. Lives well under average home conditions. Attractive with moderate maintenance.
Many hybrids of various colors
Bulb toxicity reported: Proper plant
I.D. important. House plants are not to
be eaten by people or pets.
Bulb rot: Provide adequate drainage.
Don't let plant sit in water.
Scale insects: Scrape/wipe off with
cloth & isolate. If severe, discard
plant.
Treated properly, Amaryllis bulbs can last for 25 years or more. Also used as cut flower. Secret to growing Amaryllis is to keep the foliage actively growing after the blooms fade. Tolerates all but very low light. Can use insecticide weekly for scale insect problems.