Amaryllis family

These bulbous plants, many of which have gained distribution as indoor crops, are naturally common in the tropics and subtropics of the Old and New Worlds. Most amaryllis have long flat leaves, growing in such a way that all even leaves are located only under even ones, as well as odd ones, forming two rows.

Classification of the Amaryllis family

The main reason for the popularity of amaryllis is the chic inflorescences, which can consist of one or more flowers. For plants to bloom, they all require a dormant period (except crinum). Moreover, if the plant does not receive a period of rest, then the inflorescences that began to form in the bulbs die off. The duration and timing of the dormancy period differ among members of this family. So in zephirantes and hippeastrum it is about 3-4 months, which is explained by the aridity of their natural places. At the same time, eucharis is enough for one and a half months to rest.

Caring for amaryllis

• Organize a period of rest, reducing watering immediately after the end of flowering. The soil in this case, the frequency of watering depends on the species: plants that do not lose leaves (euharis) water limited, they go through a period of rest in a dry state without watering. Again, some species of amaryllis undergoing a dormant period in a leafless state require a mandatory cool of about 8-10 ° C, others, like hippeastrums, can be stored at ordinary room temperature
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• Place for amaryllis is chosen in bright diffused light or in light partial shade. Amaryllis do not tolerate direct sunlight.
• All amaryllis are very sensitive to excess moisture, so avoid waterlogging the soil even during the growing season. At the same time, amaryllis are not demanding on air humidity and, as a rule, do not need regular spraying.
During the
• period of growth and flowering, amaryllis must be fertilized. To do this, use complex mineral fertilizers for decorative and flowering plants. Feeding begins with the appearance of the first leaves every two weeks and stops 1.5-2 months before the dormant period. Organic fertilizers are not used for top dressing, as they can cause bulb diseases.
• Adult plants are transplanted when the pot becomes too cramped into a soil mixture consisting of 2 parts of turf, 1 part of leaf earth, 1/2-1 part of humus, 1 part of peat and 1 part of sand. In pots, drainage is mandatory. Ammaryllis do not like spacious pots, they may not bloom in them. Planting hippeastrum or amaryllis bulbs, the pot is selected by roots, there are small bulbs with a whole beard, and large ones without roots at all. The first in a small pot will suffer, the second in a large one will rot from the bay, not having time to take root and master the space. In this case, the bulbs are buried no more than 2/3 of the height. Euharis, hemanthus bulbs are planted completely in the soil. Many amaryllis, such as clivia, hemanthus, crinum, are very difficult to tolerate damage to fleshy roots during transplantation .

Difference between amaryllis and hippeastrums

Difference between hippeastrum and amaryllis on onion scales

If you bought an onion, and do not know what kind of plant it is - hippeastrum or amaryllis, you can try to tear off a piece of dry scales. If it just breaks off - this is a hippeastrum, if filamentous fibers stretch during breaking - this is amaryllis.

The material on the table was prepared by Lucien