Indoor plants
Amaryllis
Amaryllis
Amaryllis (Amarýllis) — a genus of plants in the family Amaryllidaceae (Amaryllidaceae), consisting of a single species — Amaryllis belladonna (Amarýllis belladónna).
Native habitat — South Africa.
A perennial bulbous plant, the bulb is small, reaching 5—10 cm in diameter. It forms many daughter plants. The bulb is smaller than that of Hippeastrum. Leaves are green, 30—50 cm long and 2—3 cm wide, arranged in two rows. Leaves appear in autumn or early spring in cold climates and die back by the end of spring.
At the end of summer each bulb produces one or two naked flower stalks, reaching 30—60 cm, each bearing an inflorescence composed of 2—12 funnel-shaped flowers. Flowers range from white to shades of pink; red and purple forms also occur. Flower size is 6—10 cm in diameter, consisting of six petals.
Species formerly included in the genus Amaryllis have been separated into the genus Hippeastrum (Hippeastrum) (the representatives of these two genera are often confused because they look very similar).
Temperature: During the growing period, optimal is 17-23°C. During dormancy bulbs are kept at 10°C.
Lighting: Bright, diffused light. Protect from direct sunlight. After flowering full sun exposure is necessary for the development and ripening of the bulbs.
Watering: Abundant during flowering - the soil should remain moist at all times. During dormancy keep the bulbs dry.
Dormancy period: During this time the Amaryllis completely loses its leaves. Watering is stopped entirely. In September-October, at the end of dormancy, a flower stalk emerges from the bulb; by the end of flowering young leaves appear.
Fertilizer: Once every one to two weeks with a liquid fertilizer for flowering houseplants, diluted at the concentration recommended by the manufacturer. Begin feeding as soon as the buds open and stop when the leaves begin to wither.
Repotting: About once every 3-4 years, during the dormant period. Soil: 2 parts clay-loam, 1 part leaf soil, 1 part humus, 1 part peat and 1 part sand.
Propagation: By daughter bulbs during repotting, or by seeds. Separated offsets are planted in prepared potting mix in individual pots about 12 cm in diameter so that one third of the bulb's height remains above the soil surface. With good care they will flower in 2-3 years.