When it's stormy and snowing outside, blooming amaryllis on the winter windowsill provide magical moments. Encouraging the exotic beauty to bloom just in time for Christmas, however, has nothing to do with magic. You can read how the plan works here.
Planting date controls the flowering time - This is how it works
There is a natural sensor hidden in every amaryllis bulb for the local temperature and light conditions. This ensures that the tuber does not sprout if the climatic conditions are unfavorable. As long as you keep a knight's star in a dark location at 5 to 8 degrees Celsius, life in the bulb rests.
Blooming only begins when the substrate temperature is at least 10 degrees Celsius, bright lighting conditions and normal room temperature. After another 6 to 8 weeks, an amaryllis will be in full bloom. How to use the floral mechanism for a Christmas bloom:
- Planting date at the beginning of October: flowering time in Advent
- Planting date at the beginning of November: flowering time at Christmas
- Planting date mid-December to early January: flowering time in spring
This schedule depends on ideal room temperatures between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius in a bright window seat as well as proper care.
Planting and caring for amaryllis bulbs skillfully – this is how it works
The wonderful amaryllis doesn't just stand out with its Christmas blooms. In addition, the exotic flower queen requires a special planting technique, coupled with a special care program. We have summarized all the important measures relating to professional cultivation for you here:
- The ideal flower pot offers the bulb 4 to 5 cm of space up to the edge
- A 2 to 3 cm high drainage made of expanded clay above the water drain prevents waterlogging
- Place only half of an amaryllis bulb in loose potting soil
- Place in a bright, not full-sunny window seat at normal room temperatures
Until a flower stalk sprouts and has gained about a hand's width in height, water only in small sips from below. To do this, add a little lime-free water to the saucer for a short time. Adjust the water supply proportionally to the growth so that the soil remains slightly moist at the core. Only when the substrate is noticeably dry is watering from below.
Fertilize only after the flowering period
The supply of nutrients to an amaryllis only begins after the winter flowering period. When their leaves sprout in spring, add some liquid fertilizer to the irrigation water every 14 days. In August, stop giving fertilizer to get your knight star in the mood for the autumn rest period.
Tip
An amaryllis is happy to repeat the Christmas flower spectacle when it can spend the summer on the sunny balcony. Cut off the wilted flower stems and leave the green leaves. As new buds form inside the bulb, continue the care program with regular watering and fertilizing. After an autumnal break, the winter blossoms are getting going again.
