In order for Amaryllis bulbs to produce the magnificent flowers they long for, both professional planting and the correct initial care measures are important. These instructions provide a practical explanation of how to start successfully cultivating Ritterstern onions in the pot.
How to plant amaryllis bulbs correctly?
To plant amaryllis bulbs correctly, choose a pot with 4-5 cm distance from the edge, fill it 3/4 full with cactus and standard soil and place the bulb in the middle, only half or a maximum of 2/3 sunk. Fertilize and water only when the flower stems grow.
Planting Ritterstern bulbs – the right depth is important
The correct planting of amaryllis bulbs requires a modified approach compared to classic flower bulbs. The linchpin of the perfect planting technique is that the tubers must not be completely buried in the ground. Please choose the pot size so that there is a distance of 4-5 cm between the bulb and the edge. How to do it right:
- Over a drainage made of expanded clay (€19.00 on Amazon), fill the pot three-quarters full with a mix of cacti and standard soil
- Plant the amaryllis bulb in the middle only half, maximum two thirds
- Press the substrate firmly to ensure a good bond to the soil
Choose a location in a bright, warm window seat that cannot be exposed to direct sunlight for long periods of time. A temperature level between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius is ideal in this place.
This care program leads to the flower premiere
After planting, water amaryllis bulbs with just a sip of water placed in the saucer. Only when the flower stems have gained about a hand's width in height should you water regularly from below. If the water supply starts too early, in the worst case, a knight's star will only sprout leaves and keep the flowers consistently under cover. Please only water enough to ensure that the substrate surface dries well in the meantime.
Amaryllis bulbs typically sprout their leaves later. When the first leaf tips peek out of the tuber, start supplying nutrients. To do this, administer a liquid fertilizer for onion plants every 14 days until July.
Amaryllis bulbs are poisonous
The fairytale beauty of an amaryllis unfortunately has a dark side. The entire plant is permeated with highly toxic alkaloids. The toxins are found in particularly high concentrations in Ritterstern onions. Intentional or unintentional consumption of just a few grams causes severe symptoms of poisoning, which can be fatal in children and seniors. The poisonous Hippeastrum is therefore not suitable for cultivation in the family household.
Contact threatens dermatitis
If a knight's star thrives out of the reach of children and pets, the plant still poses a he alth threat. If you come into direct contact with the plant sap, painful eczema and irritation can result. Please always wear gloves when carrying out care and planting work.
Tip
Amaryllis bulbs prefer to spend their autumn dormancy in a dark basement at temperatures of 5 and 9 degrees Celsius. Store the tubers individually on an air-ventilated shelf without the skins touching. A large spatial distance from ripening fruit is of utmost importance. Apples, pears and tomatoes release the ripening gas ethylene, which encourages a Ritterstern onion to sprout prematurely.
