Amazing Amaryllis!

One of the most fantastic plants I have here at Wicked Raven is the Amaryllis!  One bulb I got three years ago from my folks as a "stocking stuffer" and one I got this year from my mother in law.  Both have bloomed at the same time!  They are beautiful!

 

 

This is the older plant and it has bloomed about twice a year.  Amaryllis like loose soil and not to have wet feet.  Make sure they have good drainage!

 

This is the newer one in a smaller pot and still blooming just beautifully!  This one was actually growing inside the box and seemed a little pale and sad but it perked right up when it got in the soil and light.  They don't seem to notice the lack of light (Alaska only has about 5 hours right now) as much as they mind being over watered.  About a month after the blooms have gone by the leaves start to die and come off.  Then the bulb goes dormant for a bit to recover.  Continue to water it as usual and when it is ready it will come right back out.  It WILL look like it is dead while it is resting.

 

Plant the bulb so that the "neck" sticks out of the soil about 3 inches and then just water and shine on - the bulb will do the rest!  I do use worm juice on the plants once a year and the one in the bigger pot has been transplanted once in the three years I have had it.  They don't mind being pot bound as long as its not long term.

 

You can often find these bulbs at the discount rack in the plant aisle in their boxes.  Don't worry if they are growing a bit when you get them - they will do just fine.  Fill your house with after Christmas joy and get yourself some Amayrillis!