Flexibility dominates the care program for an amaryllis. It begins with the variable planting time, continues with an adaptive flowering period and, last but not least, finds expression in adequate pruning. That sounds more complicated than it actually is, because a knight's star signals the perfect appointment. Read here how and when to cut off worn-out plant parts.
When and how should you cut back an amaryllis?
Answer: Withered amaryllis flowers should be cut off promptly to prevent seed heads from growing. Only cut the main stem when it has yellowed. Green leaves are left untouched as they are important for photosynthesis.
Withered flowers call for the scissors
With the end of winter, the flowering period of your amaryllis is coming to an end. So that the subtropical flower beauty does not invest its last reserves of energy in the growth of seeds, you should cut off spent flowers as soon as possible. Since not all the flowers on the main stem wilt at the same time, do it this way:
- Put on gloves to avoid coming into contact with the poisonous plant sap
- Using clean, sharp scissors (€14.00 on Amazon), cut off a wilted flower on the inflorescence stem from the main stem
- Only cut back the main shaft of the knight's star to 5 cm when it has yellowed
The intense dye in the petals can cause unsightly stains on tablecloths and window sills that can only be removed with special cleaning. To prevent this shortcoming, pluck off individual withered petals before they fall.
Green leaves are spared by the scissors
One of the special characteristics of an amaryllis is that the leaves emerge late and remain on the plant all summer long. At the end of its flowering period, the subtropical Hippeastrum switches to a summer growth phase, during which the leaves perform an important function.
As you continue to water and fertilize a Knight's Star from April to July, a new bud will develop deep within the bulb. The vital photosynthesis for this process takes place via the leaves. If you cut back the green foliage, in the worst case scenario you will deprive yourself of the next flower.
Ritterstern signals the right date
In August you stop supplying water and nutrients. After you put the knight's star in its cool, dark resting place in September, the leaves die off. Now the onion removes the remaining nutrients from the leaves. Once this process is complete, you can cut off any dried leaves without worry.
Tip
If you do not cut off spent flowers, clearly visible fruits will develop within 6 to 8 weeks, full of valuable seeds. Harvest the ripe seeds and sow them on coconut substrate. Until the first flowering after 3 to 4 years, care for the seedlings continuously in a bright, warm location - without the autumn rest phase of an adult amaryllis.
