The amaryllis also shows its beauty as a cut flower. Here you can find out how the flowers can stay in the vase for as long as possible.
the amaryllis (Hippeastrum) – also known as Knight’s Star – impresses with its impressive flowers in soft white, lovely pink or intense red. The amaryllis (Amaryllidaceae) found as a potted plant on the windowsill. With the right treatment, the flowers will last longer in the pot and often several flowering shoots will develop per bulb. However, the amaryllis can also last long and beautifully in a winter bouquet or as a stand-alone artist in a vase. We will show you how to treat an amaryllis as a cut flower in a glass or 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 sap of the amaryllis is toxic and can cause skin irritation. The flower stalks of amaryllis are usually very long. They can of course be cut to fit - even if that means removing 20cm. However, at least three centimeters should be cut off the stem.
The amaryllis stem tends to curl up at the bottom. This makes it more difficult to absorb water and causes the tissue to soften more quickly. It is therefore advisable to stick a strip of scotch tape around the lower end of the handle. When cutting the amaryllis, the following should be observed:
- Prune the amaryllis first
- Either cut to length, but cut off at least 3 cm
- Tape the lower end of the handle with adhesive tape to prevent the end of the handle from rolling up
Amaryllis as a cut flower: the water supply
It is not necessary to fill the entire vase with water. It is better if water is added more often or if the water is exchanged altogether. The longer the water sits in the vase, the more likely it is to become cloudy and the channels in the cut amaryllis can make it difficult to absorb water. Ultimately, the lifespan of the cut flower is significantly reduced 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 should be observed when supplying water to the amaryllis:
- Don't fill the vase with too much water - 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 damage it massively 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 is to be taken out of the cold draft during the occasional burst of airing. Otherwise it can quickly come to a rude awakening or at least shorten the flowering period.
The warmer it is in the room, the faster the bloom is 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), flowering can be prolonged. With regard to the influence of temperature, the following must be observed:
- Pack the amaryllis well for transport and protect it from the cold
- Do not place the vase in a draft (especially when airing)
- Avoid temperatures below 15 °C
- Do not place in rooms that are too warm or on the fireplace/stove - excessive heat shortens the flowering period
- It is best to place the amaryllis in the vase in a slightly cooler room that is rarely heated
Did you know that there are numerous ways to Propagation of Amaryllis gives? We present some of them in our special article.
