I had a sad revelation with one of my Hippeastrum today. It grieved me but I had no choice but to take it to the compost. It had served me well and this would have been its fourth time of blooming but I obviously did not treat it well this summer, I am very sorry to say. I have previously admitted to not doing well with house plants and so this is more proof.

Hippeastrum, commonly known as Amaryllis are the attention getter of Christmas plants after the Poinsettia maybe.

 I had planted the bulb in the garden after its last year’s spring bloom but looking back on where it was planted the ground was often wet. The rot must have set in then and I had wondered why it was struggling. I did what I have done in the past, kept it going until summer, planted it out, then lifted it in August, let it dry and put it in a cool dry spot until the beginning of December when I potted it up again.  The outside of the bulb was firm and green until today. It was trying to grow roots because I had checked. When I went to water it I noticed what looked like a scale insect on the skin, a brown blister. Not knowing what it was, I punctured the blister and out oozed a white substance revealing a hole. I could tell immediately this bulb was not going to survive and I wondered what must be living in it so I cut it in half. The cut did not reveal any monsters but it was black and soggy with rot. This was a first for me and a disappointing occurrence. I learned a hard lesson – don’t overwater your Hippeastrum.

Many people have an ‘Amaryllis’ getting ready to bloom after Christmas and some may already be in bloom but I wonder how many of us keep them to bloom again. It is only in recent years that I have made sure I have Hippeastrum for after Christmas bloom. I have been pleased with how easy it can be to keep them going. One or two have surprised me with summer blooms as well. If the plant is fed during its growing, flowering and leaf cycle it seems to retain its bulk enough to form another flower bud. It is recommended to feed a high phosphorous fertilizer but I confess I use my granular 20-20-20 for everything as it is so easy and slow release. It is important the leaves are kept healthy in order to produce more food for storage. This is what ensures a new flower. The bulb, when in storage can apparently be dusted with Sulphur, to protect from disease but I had not done this previously.

Spring Surprise, second bloom.

Hippeastrum is the correct name for the large bulbs that produce enormous blooms and its provenance is completely different from true Amaryllis which originates from South Africa. Hippeastrum originates in from the tropical and subtropical areas of South America. Knowing the provenance of any plant is important because if you know where it grows naturally, it is possible to try and replicate its growing conditions for success. Amaryllis on the hand originates from South Africa.  At one time both plants were classified in the same genus but after many years of botanical debate the two plants were reclassified into different genera. The common name Amaryllis has stuck for many people but not for botanists.  There are about ninety species of Hippeastrum and many hybrids.

Previous year’s Hippeastrum

I luckily have two other healthy looking Hippeastrum growing on my windowsill. One is growing much faster than the other and I hope it keeps its cool until January when the colour will be most welcome.

The new wax covered bulbs that will grow without water or extra nutrients are proof this bulb does not need much water. It has it in storage. I think it a waste of a bulb however as with a little care, a potted bulb will reward you again and again. The wax covered bulbs are bound for the compost once flowered.

If you feel inclined send pictures or your Hippeastrum – it is a treat to see the different colours.