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The Amaryllis

The amaryllis is a tender, flowering bulb, originally from the Andes Mountains of Chile and Peru. The plant was named after a shepherdess in Greek mythology. The word actually means "sparkling" and refers to the attractive bloom.

Amaryllis bulbs are usually available in the fall and are treated as houseplants. The amaryllis is a large plant, growing 46-60 cm (18-24in.), with blooms 10-15 cm (4-6in.) wide. Colors range from pure white to salmon, pink, and red. Bulbs can be brought into bloom from late fall until early spring, blooming from 6-8 weeks after planting. Given proper treatment, they will continue to bloom for several years, usually in winter.

Potting - Purchase large, firm bulbs which show only the scars or stubs of old foliage, but no new leaves. Use a light, well-drained potting mixture containing some peat moss. The pot itself should have good drainage and be about 8-10 cm (3-4 in.) wider than the bulb. The potting mixture should be about 3 cm (1 in.) below the rim of the pot (for ease of watering), and about 1/3 of the bulb should show above the soil level. Firm the soil and water well.

Care - Place the pot with the amaryllis bulb in a sunny, warm room. Day temperatures should be 18-25C. Night temperatures can be 5-10 degrees cooler. Water sparingly until the first shoots appear. Once growth begins, water whenever the soil is dry - making sure it is evenly moist but not overly wet. Turning the pot every few days will keep the foliage growth balanced. Varieties with extra large blooms might need staking. Fertilize with a "complete" water-soluble houseplant fertilizer once a month while the plants is in active growth, remembering that it is better to underfertilize than to overfertilize. A complete fertilizer is one such as 20-20-20, which contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The current year's bloom will be nourished by the bulb itself. But good nutrition will ensure large, healthy bulbs (and blooms) for future years.

Flowering - Once the flower buds are ready to open, the pot can be moved to a different location, one which is cooler and has less direct light. This will both prolong flowering and bring out the brilliant colors of the amaryllis. Remove the flowers as they fade. This prevents seed formation, which diverts food from the bulb itself.

Aftercare - When the blooming period is over, place the pot in a sunny, well-ventilated position. Water and feed regularly to promote vigorous foliage. If properly cared for, amaryllis bulbs should increase 1-2 cm (.3-.7 in.) in size each year. Bulbs may be placed outdoors in a semi-shaded location during the summer as long as they are protected from spring and fall frosts. Bring the amaryllis indoors in September when the leaves have died. Store in a cool (12C), dry location out of direct light until signs of growth reappear. These conditions will reduce moisture loss from the bulb. Discontinue watering and feeding during this period to prevent rot.

Regrowth - In about 2 months new growth will appear. At this time it is advisable to gently remove and replenish the top 3 cm (1 in.) of potting mixture, mixing it with a teaspoon of bone meal. Take care not to disturb the roots or damage the new shoot. Place the pot in a warm, sunny position and continue watering and fertilizing as before. An amaryllis bulb may need repotting every 3 or 4 years as the bulb increases in diameter, but a slightly "pot-bound" amaryllis will do well as long as it is adequately fed.

Sara Williams is a specialist in horticulture with the Extension Division. This column is provided as a service by the Extension Division and the Department of Horticulture Science, University of Saskatchewan.

The above info contributed by Betty G