The amaryllis, popular at Christmas time, is very drought tolerant. However, she still needs water occasionally. Read here how and when to water your amaryllis correctly to ensure magnificent blooms and find out which amaryllis doesn't need water at all.
Why don't amaryllis need water when stored?
The perennial amaryllis (Hippeastrum) goes through different phases throughout the year with different care requirements: the growth phase (spring and summer after flowering), the resting phase (autumn) and the flowering phase (in winter). During the resting phasethe amaryllis bulb should be stored in a pot or completely without soil, dark and cool at 5 degrees Celsius. Now you mustnot water or fertilize it under any circumstancesThis would disrupt theresting processso that the plant cannot gather enough strength for flowering. This hinders flower formation
How do I water the amaryllis properly before and after storage?
The amaryllis bulb shouldafter the rest phasein November in a bright and warm placeslowly receive water again and very moderate fertilizer. This initiates flower formation. In the flowering phase you should keep the plant moist, but not wet. Be sure to avoid waterlogging, as the amaryllis will react to this with root rot and drooping leaves and flowers. After the flowering phase, you should continue to water the plant regularly. Don't stop watering until August to initiate the rest phase.
Do waxy amaryllis need water?
Amaryllis can also be purchased in a wax coat at Christmas time. The onion was dipped in several layers of wax. These amaryllis require almost no care. They aresupplied with sufficient nutrients before they are sold, so that they produce a magnificent flower just in time for Christmas with almost no help. You don't even have to water it Just keep it warm and bright. However, the flowers only last a few days and the plant usually dies afterward because its roots have been removed.
How long does an amaryllis last without water?
Normallyyou will enjoy an amaryllis forfor many years. With good careit produces lush flowers every year at Christmas time. To do this, however, it needs appropriate water at the right time (growth and flowering phase) and no water at all during the resting phase. However, do not water it at all during the flowering or growth phase,after a few months the tuber will dry out completely and die It can only be saved to a certain extent, as it is very is drought-resistant.
Tip
Store the amaryllis dry as a cut flower
It is also possible to store the cut amaryllis flowers for a few days without water to use them later in an arrangement or similar. To do this, you need to cut off at least one centimeter of the stem and wrap the end with adhesive tape (€5.00 on Amazon) to stabilize it. At around five to six degrees Celsius, the amaryllis will stay fresh for some time in a dry cool room.
