The amaryllis also shows its beauty as a cut flower. Here you can find out how the blossoms last as long as possible in the vase.
the amaryllis (Hippeastrum) - also known as the knight's star - impresses with its imposing flowers in soft white, lovely pink or intense red. The onion-forming amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae) to be found as a potted plant on the windowsill. With the right treatment, the flowers will last longer in the pot and several flower stems will often form per bulb. However, the amaryllis can also survive long and beautifully in a winter bouquet or as a single artist in the vase. We will show you how to treat an amaryllis as a cut flower in a glass or a vase.
Amaryllis as a cut flower: cut and glue
Before the amaryllis takes its place in the vase, it should be freshly cut again. Gloves should be worn as the amaryllis sap is toxic and can cause skin irritation. The amaryllis flower stalks are usually very long. They can of course be cut to fit - even if that means that 20 cm must be removed. However, at least three centimeters should be cut off from the stem.
The stem of the amaryllis tends to curl up at the lower end. This makes water absorption more difficult and allows the tissue to soften more quickly. It is therefore advisable to glue a strip of scotch tape around the lower end of the handle. Please note the following when cutting the amaryllis:
- Cut the amaryllis first
- Either cut to length, but cut off at least 3 cm
- Tape the lower end of the handle with tape to prevent the end of the handle from rolling up
Amaryllis as a cut flower: the water supply
There is no need to fill the entire vase with water. It is better if water is added more often or the water is replaced as a whole. The longer the water is in the vase, the sooner it becomes cloudy and the channels of the cut amaryllis can make it more difficult to absorb water. Ultimately, the lifespan of the cut flower is significantly shortened if there is no supply of fresh water. It is also advisable to add some nutrient powder for cut flowers to the water. The following applies to the water supply to the amaryllis:
- Don't put too much water in the vase - less is more
- Ideally, add nutrient powder for cut flowers to the vase water
- Change the water regularly - at the latest when it starts to get cloudy
Amaryllis as a cut flower: influence of temperature
The amaryllis is extremely sensitive to cold both in the pot and in the vase as a cut flower. Temperatures below 15 ° C can already cause massive damage and end the flowering period abruptly. It is therefore important to ensure that it is well packed during transport, especially on frosty days. In the house, it should be taken out of the cold draft when occasionally ventilating the room. Otherwise it can quickly lead to a rude awakening or at least shorten the flowering period.
The warmer it is in the room, the faster the flowering will of course also be over. Therefore, the amaryllis should not necessarily be placed on the mantelpiece. If the vase is placed in a somewhat cooler, rarely heated room (but not cooler than 15 ° C), the flower can be extended. With regard to the influence of temperature, the following should be noted:
- Pack the amaryllis well during transport and protect it from the cold
- Do not place the vase in a draft (especially when ventilating)
- Avoid temperatures below 15 ° C
- Do not place in too warm rooms or on the fireplace / stove - excessive heat will shorten the flowering period
- It is best to place the amaryllis in the vase in a slightly cooler, rarely heated room
Did you know that there are numerous ways to go Amaryllis reproduction gives? We present some of them to you in our special article.
