As a winter-blooming indoor flower, Ritterstern challenges us with individual care requirements. When it comes to nutrient supply, the wonderful amaryllis has a mind of its own. Read here over how long the subtropical flower treasure requires fertilizer.
How should you properly fertilize amaryllis?
Amaryllis should be fertilized every two weeks from April to August, while no fertilization is required from September to March. Organic fertilizers such as horn shavings, nettle manure, compost water or worm tea are recommended, which should be added directly to the saucer.
Nutrient intake starts late
Schmalhans is the master chef for your Ritterstern as long as it shows off its magnificent flowers in winter. Nutrients, such as nitrogen, only promote the growth of long leaves in the middle of the flowering period. When the growth phase begins in spring, give your amaryllis a helping hand with the right fertilizer. The following schedule shows you how to regulate your nutrient balance in an exemplary manner:
- Fertilize Ritterstern every 2 weeks from April to August
- Do not apply fertilizer from September to March
In the period from September to November, your Knight Star requires a break to regenerate. In a cool, dark location, the plant receives neither water nor fertilizer. The nutrient depots inside the onion are already full at this time. This is even more true if you only cut off the leaves when they are completely absorbed.
This fertilizer is recommended
Specialist retailers have a wide range of special fertilizers for amaryllis. These high-tech products are equipped with an NPK formulation that is tailored to the needs of subtropical flower beauty. Of course, this luxury has its price. Fertilizing your Ritterstern with organic materials is cheaper and more close to nature. This is how it works:
- When planting, add 1 tablespoon of horn shavings to the planting hole
- Use liquid, organic fertilizer, such as nettle manure, compost water or worm tea
- Administer potassium-rich comfrey manure in July to strengthen you before the autumn dormancy of growth
The less the exposed part of an amaryllis bulb comes into contact with moisture, the lower the risk of rot and disease. Therefore, put liquid fertilizer of any kind into the saucer so that it is transported to the roots thanks to capillary force.
Tip
The supplementary nutrient supply to an amaryllis can be eliminated without replacement if you repot the plant every year in November. Commercially available potting soil is sufficiently pre-fertilized. If you also water your Hippeastrum regularly with nutrient-rich pond water, everything will be fine