A Detailed Guide to Hydroponic Amaryllis Methods and Care Tips
How to grow and care for amaryllis hydroponically？
Amaryllis, also known as red flower lotus, amaryllis, hundred-branch lotus, and trumpet flower. It belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family, genus Hippeastrum. Amaryllis is a perennial bulbous herb. The plant height is 20-30 cm, while the flower stalk can reach up to 50 cm, emerging from the underground bulb. The leaves are broad and strap-shaped, slightly fleshy, emerging at the same time as the flowers or after flowering, arranged symmetrically, 6-8 leaves. The inflorescence is umbellate, bearing 3-6 flowers. The flowers are large, shaped like a large trumpet, about 12-18 cm long. Flower color varies by variety, including orange, red, light red, white, etc., or with stripes. The flowering period is spring and summer. There are about 70 species in the same genus. When amaryllis blooms, the flower stalks stand elegantly, the leaves are emerald green, and the corolla is as large as a trumpet. The flowers open toward the sun, looking especially brilliant and pleasing from a distance (figure).
1. Hydroponic methods
(1) Method one: Dig out the entire soil-grown amaryllis seedling, carefully separate the well-formed large offsets beside the mother plant, and keep the offset roots intact. After rinsing with clean water, plant it in a transparent container and add clean water up to 2/3 of the roots. Replace with clean water once every 2-5 days.
(2) Method two: Select healthy soil-grown amaryllis seedlings, dig out the whole plant, remove rotten roots, rinse with clean water and disinfect, then plant the whole plant in a transparent container and add clean water. Replace with clean water once every 2-3 days. While changing the water, remove shriveled and rotten roots. After 1 week, hydroponic roots will gradually grow.
2. Care guide
(1) Temperature and light: The suitable temperature for amaryllis growth is 18-25°C, the suitable temperature during dormancy is 10-12°C, and the safe overwintering temperature must not be lower than 5°C, otherwise growth will be inhibited. Below 0°C, the plant is prone to freezing damage, so pay attention to keeping it warm. Amaryllis likes sufficient scattered light and avoids strong direct sunlight.
(2) Changing water: In the early stage of hydroponic amaryllis, change the water once every 2-3 days, and after half a month, change the water once every 5-7 days. Keep it in a well-ventilated, bright environment near a window.
(3) Fertilizing: If hydroponic amaryllis is only grown short-term, since the bulb contains the nutrients needed for growth, no additional nutrient solution is needed for it to bloom. If grown long-term, add nutrient solution once every half month.
(4) Pest and disease control: Hydroponic amaryllis is prone to root rot. If found, promptly remove the rotten roots, rinse them clean, and replant. If pests occur, manual capture should be the main method.