Who Doesn't Like the Amaryllis?

Typically, around Christmas time, poinsettias make their stay. Personally, I don't mind poinsettias, until I have to water them. Why? They like to be watered, but not too much. They don't like their leaves wet. They don't like their feet wet. They don't like the cold (which is weird because they are displayed during...well...winter). They are poisonous to pets and children. They don't like wind. Oh, and their leaves are super easy to rip. Then, when they are ripped, they "bleed" a sticky, milky white substance that takes industrial-strength soap to wash out (ok, maybe not, but still). I think the phrase for poinsettias is 'high maintenance.' But, to their credit, they are beautiful, bright and bold.

However, if you want a little less maintenance for just as much beautiful, bright, and bold, there is something different that is becoming more mainstream. Fast becoming a fan favorite alternative to the poinsettia during the holiday season due to its beautiful showiness and low-maintenance style, the Amaryllis' can be found in the most unique boutiques to the cookie-cutter big-box retailers. Typically, they can grow quickly in six to eight weeks after purchase when planted in a pot and as high as 2-3 feet. With blooms lasting as long as 4-6 weeks, amaryllis' serve as the bright, colorful beacon throughout a long, bleak winter.

I am in love with them, in fact. While volunteering at the DSM Botanical Gardens a few weeks ago, I was surrounded by many, many different varieties. See the snaps below.

If you can't make it to the DSM Botanical Gardens over the next few weeks, then, consider growing one (or several) yourself. If interested in growing your own, here are some helpful tips...

When planting, keep a little of the bulb poking out of the soil. Once planted, place the pot in a sunny window and water minimally at first. Once you see some growth then give more water. Typically, the stalk grows before the leaves (but leaf growth is important too for the longevity of the amaryllis...keep reading to find out why). I have read that they should be fertilized every two to four weeks with a dilute fertilizer solution; however, I have not and mine did fine. With that being said, the fertilizer solution will likely affect the longevity of the plant throughout the years, however, so something to consider.

See the bulb sticking out of the soil every so slightly?

The result...beautiful showy flowers of all types of varieties...they look almost like hibiscus. (Yet, some obvious distinctions, amaryllis petals are thicker than hibiscus and the overall plant has less foliage than the sun-loving hibiscus.)

According to Iowa State University Master Gardeners, once the flowered is spent, the stalk should be cut with a sharp knife just two inches above the bulb without damaging the leaves. (Fun Fact: for the bulb to bloom next season, the plant finds its food in the leaves, which acts as food reserves during its dormant period).

***These pictures were taken recently at the Des Moines Botanical Gardens. There are many varieties, plus your traditional whites and reds.

Hidden you can find some poinsettias peeking through (but I think I 'accidentally' failed to take their picture).***

Almost looks like a type of orchid, doesn't it?

Once you've cut the stalk, cleared the soil from the bulb, and throw the spent bloom away, the dormant stage of your bulb can begin. To force dormancy, place the bulb in a cool, semi-dry location and withhold water. Cut the leaves when they turn brown (brown indicates no more food).

To bring your bulb out of dormancy, repeat cycle, i.e., pot bulb in soil with part of bulb peeking out, water minimally, etc.

The cycle repeats itself

If interested in finding out how to 'harden' your amaryllis for the outdoors, see here. I'll be honest, I've never tried hardening an amaryllis, but if you have, I'd be interested in hearing how it went.

So, that's amaryllis in a nutshell...I'm interested to know your experiences...have you had luck growing these beautiful flowers? Better yet, have you had luck from year to year with the same bulb? Let me know.

Thanks for reading.