Amaryllis growing methods and precautions: shade in summer, keep warm in winter, prevent disease in autumn, repot every 2 years
SummarySoil: suitable for fertile, loose, well-drained soil rich in humus. Watering: keep moist but not waterlogged. Fertilizing: apply fertilizer solution 2-3 times from the growing period to flowering. Temperature: the suitable growing temperature is around 18-25°C; shade is needed in summer, and in winter it must not drop below 5°C. Disease control: in autumn, mainly control leaf spot disease. Precautions: after the flowers fade, promptly cut off the flower stalks; repot and change the soil every 1-2 years to increase nutrients and fertility.
Amaryllis, also known as the amaryllis (Hippeastrum), has a plump bulb that is roughly spherical in shape, about 5cm-10cm in diameter, with a pale green or yellowish-brown outer skin. Its leaves grow opposite each other on either side of the stalk, with tapering tips, and generally emerge after flowering.
Amaryllis growing methods
1. Soil
Amaryllis does well in fertile, loose, well-drained sandy loam rich in humus. Generally, a soil mix of peat soil, leaf mold, perlite and fine sand in certain proportions is used. Note that when potting, the soil should be thoroughly sterilized once using high temperature.
2. Watering and irrigation
Amaryllis needs a fairly humid growing environment, so watering and irrigation should be carried out during cultivation to ensure moisture in the pot. Note, however, that waterlogging must not occur, as it will cause the bulb to rot in the standing water. In winter, amaryllis is dormant, so the frequency of watering can be reduced. The water temperature should also be close to room temperature when watering, to prevent cold damage to the amaryllis.
3. Fertilizer application
Apply fertilizer solution 2-3 times during the growth and flowering period of the amaryllis. Specifically, start topdressing when the leaves reach 5cm-6cm, applying decomposed cake fertilizer solution once every 15 days; after flowering, apply once about every 20 days. This helps the bulb enlarge and grow new bulbs.
4. Light and temperature
Amaryllis likes a warm, humid climate, but it cannot be exposed to direct sunlight or scorching sun, because amaryllis grown under strong ultraviolet conditions tends to develop curled and limp leaves, and in severe cases even yellowing and withering. So in summer, shade it appropriately; you can place the amaryllis in a ventilated, shaded spot indoors.
The most suitable growing temperature for amaryllis is 18°C-25°C. If the color of the amaryllis plant changes from bright red to dark red, it indicates the growing temperature is too low and the temperature needs to be raised promptly. During the winter dormancy period, 10°C-12°C is best for amaryllis, and the lowest temperature should not fall below 5°C. If it is above 15°C, it will affect the dormancy and the flowering the following year; if the temperature is below 5°C, in severe cases the bulb will be directly frost-damaged.
5. Pest and disease control
Autumn is the period when amaryllis is most prone to leaf spot disease, which mainly harms the leaves, flowers, flower scapes and bulbs, causing spindle-shaped or round brown spots. You can first remove the diseased leaves; when planting, soak the bulbs in a 0.5% formalin solution for 2 hours; after planting, spray Bordeaux mixture of equal proportions regularly in spring, which can effectively control leaf spot disease.
Amaryllis can also suffer from viral diseases, which easily cause root rot and leaf rot. You can spray a 700-fold dilution of 75% chlorothalonil wettable powder. If disease occurs on the leaves and stems or flowers, it is because nematodes have entered through the stomata on the leaves and flower stems. Before planting, you can soak the bulbs in 43°C warm water with 0.5% formalin added for 3-4 hours to prevent this. Amaryllis can also be affected by red spider mite pests, which can be killed by spraying a 1000-fold dilution of 40% dicofol emulsifiable concentrate.
Precautions for amaryllis
After the amaryllis flowers fade, promptly cut off the flower stalks so the bulb can fully absorb nutrients, enlarge and grow new bulbs; cutting them off concentrates the nutrients in the bulb. After the amaryllis has grown for a year, repotting should begin, because amaryllis grows quickly and the original pot will become too small for the amaryllis as it grows. Soil that has been used for 1-2 years should also be replaced with new soil, as the previous soil has lost its nutrients and continued use will affect the amaryllis's growth and flowering in the new year. When repotting and changing the soil, cut off the previous dead roots, withered leaves and roots and leaves affected by pests and diseases, keeping only vigorous leaves.