Their opposite growth and flowering cycles challenge us. The subtropical amaryllis only fulfills the hopes of a lavish winter bloom if it is given careful care in the fall. All relevant details about professional cultivation are summarized here in a practical manner.
How to care for amaryllis in autumn?
Fall amaryllis care begins in August by gradually ceasing water supply and stopping fertilization. In September, the plant should be stored dark and cool without watering or fertilizing. In November, the repotting takes place in fresh substrate and the water supply is resumed.
Initiation of the autumn rest period takes place in August
A knight's star goes through its growth phase from May to July. This is determined by a constant supply of water and nutrients. At this time the elegant, narrow leaves thrive to support the formation of buds inside the bulb. This cycle does not end abruptly. Rather, you will gradually guide your Hippeastrum into its autumn vegetation break over the course of August. How to do it right:
- Water supply gradually shut off during August
- From the beginning of the month, stop fertilizing the Ritterstern
- Keep the partially shaded, warm location in the garden until the end of the month
Corresponding to the depletion of the water and nutrient balance, the leaves begin to wilt. Please do not cut off the leaves at this point so that the nutrients they contain can be transferred to the bulb.
Tips for the regeneration phase
At the beginning of September, your Ritterstern moves to a dark place where the mercury fluctuates between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius. All growth has now come to a standstill. The plant is neither watered nor fertilized until November. The only active care measure is to cut off the withered leaves.
Repotting in November awakens the floral spirit
In November, activate your knight's star by repotting the bulb in fresh substrate. Please make sure that a maximum of one thumb fits between the edge of the pot and the tuber. Furthermore, a third or half of the amaryllis bulb should be exposed. From now on, keep the plant soil constantly slightly moist in a bright, warm window seat. In contrast, the supply of nutrients only begins when the leaves begin to grow.
Tip
So that a knight's star in the bouquet and vase does not bend under the weight of its majestic flowers, resourceful florists use this trick: a narrow floral wire is inserted into the hollow stem from the interface to give the hippeastrum additional stability.
