Amaryllis, Barbados Lily

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Description  Amaryllis Gallery

Name: Amaryllis, Barbados Lily
Scientific Name: Hippeastrum Hybrids
Family: Amaryllidaceae

Soil: Miracle Grown Potting Soil.
Sun: Bright and warm spot preferred.
Water: Water often during spring and summer. Cut back watering after August to promote a rest period.
Fertilizer: I use diluted Miracle Grow All Purpose during the flowering period.
Care: After flowering, cut down the stem. When the days turn cold, cut back all the leaves.
Tips: In order for the plant to flower, it is important to give it a rest period during winter. Also as soon as the first green leaves starts to appear, increase water, feed it, and move it to a sunny warm spot.

Description:

This group of plants requires very little care. For few years now, my amaryllis were grew in the same pots they came in. Through out the year, they require very little extra attention and can tolerate some of the lazy gardener¡¯s abuses (skip watering a few times or forgot to feed them). As a matter of fact, several times during the winter I thought they were dead and wondered if I should throw them away. However in early spring, new leaves sprouted. With a little more sun light, flower stems started to form. Soon, large and delightful flowers start to open.

In places with high humidity, it is almost necessary to take the bulb out of the soil and store it in a dry place during the winter. However, here the air is dry and winter is not too cold. Cutting back on the water serves the same purpose.

Though amaryllis only flower in spring and throughout the rest of the year and its elongated leaves are very unique in nature, the lovely flowers usually range from 5 to 7 inches. For me, they symbolize springtime.

 

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