Petunia got an Amaryllis,
the giraffe of flowers, for a Christmas gift. Petunia has
a well-known brown thumb. Her plants are either looking
for a life raft or hanging over the edge of the pot with
their tongues hanging out. Since neither condition bodes
well for her new Amaryllis, it is lucky that directions
came with the plant.
Petunia loves the Amaryllis flower, and would like to have
the plant re-flower again next year. The first rule is to
keep it out of direct sunlight while it is in bloom.
If you got a potted Amaryllis that is about to bloom, put
it in a warm sunny spot until the bud shows color, then
move it. The cooler temperatures in lower light will prolong
blooming time. Be sure, however, you don't go the other
route and put them where a cold blast from the door opening
or next to a leaky window. They are very sensitive to cold.
Now, to keep the plant for next year, cut off the dead blooms.
Leave the flower stalk, ugly as it is, as it will make food
for the plant as long as it is green. When it yellows, cut
if off.
Put the plant in your brightest window for the winter, remembering
to keep it warm.
Keep it watered but only when the soil becomes rather dry.
Too much water will rot the bulb. This is why tulips often
don't return. A wet fall or summer rots the bulbs.
If you have other houseplants, hide the Amaryllis in the
middle of them, as it is a pretty ugly plant without its
flowers. Fertilize with half strength fertilizer as you
do the other plants, once a month.
In the spring, when you put your other houseplants out under
the trees for a summer vacation, move the Amaryllis out,
too.
Slowly move it until it is in full sun, then sink the pot
in the garden. Amaryllis like to be pot bound so you will
probably need to repot it only every three or four years.
In the fall, bring all your plants in. Put the Amaryllis
in a dark closet and don't water it.
As the leaves shrivel and brown, gently pull them off. Check
the pot after about two months. You should see a new green
shoot. Bring it into the bright light, full sun, and begin
watering it again.
Even if you don't see green, do this. It should trigger
new growth. If you don't see a flower stalk, you goofed.
The bulb didn't store enough food after the last blooming
period. They need full sun just before and after blooming.
Don't despair. Just go through the routine again.
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