Retro Rhonda J: Amaryllis Brighten a Dreary Winter Day

The amaryllis is a symbol of determination, beauty, and love. Some also associate this flower with strength, determination, and success. I think it is all those things and more. Each morning for the past month, I’ve watched my amaryllis elongate and open its spectacular blooms. Each day the flower looks stronger and more beautiful. Each day it inspires me to also do something that brings beauty, love, and strength into our world.

Amaryllis flowers make a bold statement. Borne on a 1 ½ to 2-foot tall stalk, the trumpet-shaped, 6-inch blooms dominate their surroundings. After flowering, the plant produces attractive, bright green leaves, and with a little care will flower year after year.

Amaryllis growing kits are common this time of year. Check them before purchasing to be sure the bulbs are solid. Some will start to grow in the box, and just need light and water to continue. Follow the instructions found on the box.

Star of Holland Amaryllis

Dad and I both got our amaryllis the same day. His ‘Star of Holland’ was supposed to reach 20-24 inches tall with two stems of eight inch flowers. However, his bulb had grown substantially in the box, and did not grow very tall before blooming. Still, it did have 3-4 eight inch blooms on 2 stalks, and they were outstanding

If you buy an amaryllis bulb without a kit, follow these procedures for potting. Since the bulbs are large and thrive in cramped quarters, allow only one-half inch of space between the bulb and side of the pot. Fill the pot with a good potting soil. Set the bulb so that half of it is above the pot rim. Add more soil to about one inch from the pot rim. Firm the soil and drench it with lukewarm water until the surplus drains through the bottom hole.

The amaryllis needs heat to start growing so place the pot in a dark, warm, airy space until the first leaves or flower buds show. Then move the amaryllis into a sunny location and water thoroughly. Do not water again until the soil feels dry to the touch. When the flower blooms, move it out of direct sunlight so it will last longer.

My amaryllis (shown below) is a ‘Red Lion,’ with multiple, large red flowers on 20-26” stalks. As you can see in the picture, my bulb had already slightly sprouted so I put it in a north window above a floor heater. When it had fully elongated and flower buds were formed, I moved it to a south-east window – mainly because that is where I can see it best each morning over coffee.

If you want to rebloom your amaryllis each year, follow these tips to assure the plant’s health and beauty for many seasons. When the flowers fade, return the pot to bright sunlight. Allow the plant to grow several long, strap-like leaves to help rebuild the bulb. When danger of frost is past, plunge the pot in your garden where the plant will receive filtered sunlight.

In mid-September, the outer leaves will begin to yellow, an indication that the plant needs a rest. Cut all the leaves to within an inch of the neck of the bulb, bring the plant in and stop watering. Store it in a cool spot at 50 to 55 degrees F and forget it until late November or early December. At that time, bring the plant back to the light, replant if needed, begin watering, and watch it grow. When the bulb begins to show signs of growth, start the blooming cycle again.

Start an amaryllis bulb today to brighten your winter household.