Proper wintering sets the stage for a magnificently blooming knight's star. You can find out how to properly treat the onion during its dormant period here.
How should you properly overwinter an amaryllis?
To overwinter an amaryllis successfully, stop watering and fertilizing from August onwards, move the plant to a dark, cool place in September and cut off the retracted leaves in October. After the rest phase in November, the amaryllis is repotted into fresh substrate and watered regularly.
Rest period extends from August to December
Looking at the calendar, the hibernation of an amaryllis ends before the beginning of winter. In order for a knight's star to colorfully illuminate the Advent and Christmas season with its exotic flowers, the onion needs a rest period beforehand. This care is important:
- Stop watering and fertilizing from August
- In September, move the Ritterstern to a dark, cool location
- Cut off the drawn leaves from the bulb in October
Overwintering takes place in a controlled manner when temperatures are between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius. Given these dark, dry and cool conditions, the bulb can regenerate and gather fresh strength for another period of flowering.
This is how wintering ends
In November the break is coming to an end. The anticipation of a picturesque Ritterstern blossom increases. Now take a close look at the plant. If root strands grow out of the opening in the bottom of the pot, the onion is too tight in its pot. Therefore, replant the amaryllis in fresh substrate. From this point on, water regularly again. At the same time, the knight's star returns to its original place on the sunny, warm windowsill.
Tip
Repot a Knight's Star at the end of overwintering, looking for bulbs for propagation. A carefully cared for onion will diligently produce daughter bulbs. From a diameter of 3 cm, cut off the offspring. Potted in a mix of potting and cactus soil, the mini bulbs transform into a new amaryllis in no time.
