You have purchased an amaryllis (Hippeastrum or also called knight's star) and would you like to be able to enjoy the beautiful flowers for as long as possible? Here you can find out how to properly care for it in a pot or as a cut flower so that it lasts as long as possible.
How long do amaryllis last and how can you extend their lifespan?
Amaryllis last up to three weeks as a plant and around 7-10 days as a cut flower. Proper care, including regular watering, fertilizing, stem trimming and protection from drafts and frost, extends their lifespan and contributes to re-blooming the following year.
How do I care for the amaryllis so that it blooms longer?
When purchasing, make sure you only purchasehe althy plants. The leaves should be rich green without dried leaf tips and theflowers should not yet be fully formed. You should also pack the plant fortransporthometo protect it from drafts and frost. Get used to it at home slowly to the temperatures. You can now place it bright and warm at 16 to 20 degrees Celsius for the flowers to ripen and water and fertilize regularly. The cooler it is, the longer it lasts.
How often can an amaryllis bloom?
The amaryllis usually bloomsat Christmas time between December and Februaryforup to three weeksIt is perennial and should therefore not be used after flowering end up in trash or compost. With the right care, it will bloomagain next yearat the same time. Although it is rather the exception, the amaryllisin very rare cases also blooms a second time in June This requires the right care and a strong plant with enough strength.
How do I care for the amaryllis bulb so that it lasts for years?
The amaryllis bulb goes through three life phases throughout the year and requires different care:
- Growth phase (February to September): Cut off the withered flower stalk and place it outside in a shady place from May onwards. Water and fertilize until August.
- Rest phase (September to November): Remove the withered leaves and place them dark and cool, ideally in the cellar. Get them back up from November.
- Flowering phase (December to February): In a bright and warm place it will bloom again.
How do I extend the life of amaryllis in the vase?
To preserve the amaryllis as a cut flower for as long as possible, the following tips will help you:
- Add the enclosed nutrient powder to the water.
- The stem end of the flower quickly becomes mushy. With each water change every few days, shorten the stem by about an inch. This helps to ensure that the flower is always supplied with sufficient nutrients and water and that it gets more energy to stay fresh longer.
- In addition, you can reinforce the end with some adhesive tape to prevent it from kinking.
Tip
Caution poisonous
The amaryllis is particularly poisonous in all its parts (flower, leaves, stem and tuber) and can be fatal even in small quantities. Children and pets are particularly vulnerable. Therefore, always keep your amaryllis out of the reach of people at risk. For your own protection, wear gloves during every care step, especially when cutting or repotting.
