Released December 16, 2009
COLUMBIA, Mo. – While the poinsettia may be the top-selling holiday plant, a colorful alternative is the amaryllis, said a University of Missouri Extension horticulturist.
“Its huge blooms are spectacular and come in many colors including bright reds,” said David Trinklein. “In addition, it is easy to rebloom the plants and with proper care will provide many years of enjoyment.”
During the holiday season, place your plant in a location with diffuse light. Avoid temperatures lower than 50 degrees, which can be injurious.
Keep your plant uniformly moist. When watering, be careful that the part of the bulb that sticks above the soil does not get wet.
Amaryllis can bloom for seven to 10 weeks. When the last flower has faded, cut the stalk near the top of the bulb.
If you want your amaryllis to bloom next winter, place it in bright light and continue watering and fertilizing on a regular basis throughout the summer. This will allow the plant to store food in its bulb for next winter’s blossoms.
To rebloom amaryllis, withhold water early in the fall to force it into dormancy. After six to eight weeks, resume watering and place the plant in a warm, bright location.
Growth should start within a few weeks, followed by flowering shortly thereafter.
For more information, see the MU Extension publication “Care of Flowering Potted Plants” (G6511), available for purchase or free download at http://extension.missouri.edu/publications/DisplayPub.aspx?P=G6511.
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http://extension.missouri.edu/news/DisplayStory.aspx?N=621
Source: David H. Trinklein, 573-882-9631
Writer: Robert E. Thomas, 573-882-2480, thomasr@missouri.edu
