The Time For Amaryllis.
We are getting close to that time of year
for the Amaryllis bulb to become popular
as a christmas gift.
They are such lovely elegant looking plants, that grace many a home, the Amaryllis
is not really a lily, and the common-called amaryllis is not even an
 amaryllis, but a Hypeastrum
No matter what the correct name is it is most loved for its spectatular
blossom production and because it can be grown year after year.
Every year in winter amaryllis bulbs appear in garden catalogues, plant
and flower shops, nurseries and even supermarkets. They are sold in
boxes with pots and peat moss, and planting instructions.
The supermarket is a good source of acquiring this plant, as I can attest
to, I have had many lovely plants from there.
Many people are doubtful as to how to ensure future blooming when their
amaryllis is finished flowering.
The time of planting is the time to ensure that your amaryllis will
bloom for many years. Use a clay pot slightly larger than the bulb
, and instead of the pure peat provided , plant the bulb in a mixture
of two parts soil one of peat,and one of sand or perlite.
Be careful not to break the roots when planting and let about one
third of the bulb protrude above the soil.
Water so that it is thouroughly moistened, and not again until
the soil feels dry to the touch.
Sometimes the stalk will emerge before the leaves, and sometimes
 
the leaves grow first. Generally, the stalk will need staking, cut the
 stalk off once flowers have wilted.
 Feed your plant with a 15-30-15 fertilizer once every 2 weeks
 and provide good light.
 Mid September-Mid October is the plant’s time of rest, it should
 be kept dry at room temperature.
 Do not remove the leaves as the bulb stores the nutrients from
 them. You can remove them once they have dried up.
 After two or three months the bulbs can be started again. Amaryllis
 can be taken outside and placed in a protected spot with the
 pot sunk into the ground.
A good bright spot in the house suits them well and with good
care they should provide years of pleasure.
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