The amaryllis, known as knight's star, is particularly valued for its magnificent blooms at Christmas time. Read here what you can do if it breaks and what preventive measures can help to prevent this.
What to do if the amaryllis is broken?
If the amaryllis flower breaks, cut the stem cleanly at the break point and place the remaining flower in a vase. Also cut the rest of the stem on the tuber back to the base. In the future, support the plant with wooden sticks or floral wire to prevent it from snapping again.
How do I save a broken flower of the amaryllis plant?
If the flower of the amaryllis (Hippeastrum) becomes too large and heavy, it is easy for the flower stalk to bend under the load, despite good care. Now it's time to act quickly. Cut the stem cleanly at the break pointso that there are no cracks or frays. You can put the remaining flowers in a vase. You should cut theremaining stem on the tuberback to the baseA new flower will not form again until the next winter if it is well cared for.
What can I do if the amaryllis flower in the vase breaks?
If the flower of your amaryllis is broken in the vase, you have tocut it cleanly at the bend pointand you can still use the rest of the flower. To make it last longer, you can wrap theinterface with scotch tape, so it stays stable for longer and doesn't fray, which would cause the handle to rot. Only if the stem is intact can it transport sufficient water and nutrients to the flower so that it lasts longer. You should alsochange the water regularly
How can I prevent the amaryllis from snapping?
To prevent the amaryllis from snapping, you should pay attention tocorrect careand aadapted location. This will prevent unnatural growth. If the flower becomes too big and heavy, you cansupport it in advance To do this, stick one or two wooden sticks (€13.00 on Amazon) into the ground and tie the flower stalk to it. Or you can support the plant with floral wire. You can also support an amaryllis in the vase or arrange it with other cut flowers.
Why are broken leaves dangerous for the amaryllis flower?
Not only the flower, but also the leaves of the amaryllis are at risk of snapping due to their length. These can usually grow up to 30 centimeters long. It is particularly important during the growth phase in spring and summer that they do not break. If too many leaves break off, the plant does not have enough energy to produce a large flower In the worst case scenario, the amaryllis will not develop any flowers at all this year. Therefore, pay attention to he althy and intact leaves.
Tip
Avoid direct skin contact with amaryllis sap
When the stem or leaves of the amaryllis are broken, whitish sap comes out. Be sure to wear gloves when touching the plant or cutting anything. The leaves, flowers, stems and especially the tuber of the amaryllis are very poisonous to humans and animals and are even fatal if consumed. In direct contact with the skin, the juice causes unpleasant skin irritation.
