In a waxed form, the amaryllis enhances many flower arrangements, especially at Christmas. Unfortunately, they only bloom for a few days. Is it possible to stimulate the plant to flower again even after the first withering? What maintenance measures are required for this? In this guide, amaryllis lovers will find useful tips for care after they have faded.
Difference between waxed and natural amaryllis
The amaryllis is available in stores with waxed and natural onions. The latter blooms every year because the plant stores its nutrients in the bulb. Unfortunately, the waxed variant is only annual in this condition. But what is the purpose of the wax if it does reduce the shelf life? Above all, aesthetic reasons play an important role. Since the knight's star is primarily in season during the Christmas season, the flower should bloom accordingly in Advent. By treating the bulb with wax, florists are adding all of the essential nutrients to the plant so that the flower opens just a few days after purchase. Neither tubs nor substrate are required for cultivation. A waxed amaryllis does not require any maintenance. The wax layer protects the onion
also from drying out.Tip: The amaryllis loves bright, warm locations. Room temperatures around 20 ° C are ideal. Unfortunately, the knight's star only blooms for a short time. However, moving to a dark, cool bedroom can prolong flowering.
Will the waxed amaryllis bloom a second time?
By sealing the amaryllis bulb with wax, the trader removes the soil. Thus, it prevents the growth of new root strands. Since these form the basis for the above-ground growth of every plant, the Amaryllis do not develop any more flowers, for this purpose it lacks the nutrients and the Water supply. Only a few more leaves could follow, which the plant produces from the remaining nutrients stored in the onion.
Care after flowering
If the amaryllis draws the stored nutrients from the waxed onion, it shrinks. With a pointed object it is possible to carefully separate the wax layer and expose the onion. Well one is worth it
meticulous control. Are there any small roots? Then there is hope of causing the amaryllis to bloom a second time. Florists do not always completely remove the plant soil. In this case, the gardener plants his knight star in the earth and is patient.- Choose well-drained potting soil
- half of the onion protrudes from the substrate
- soak slightly
- Caring for the equivalent of an unwaxed amaryllis (see below)
Tip: In addition to the wax layer, the gardener should also remove the outer shell of the onion before planting it in the soil. This measure serves to protect against pests.
Care before re-flowering
The planting time for an amaryllis is between October and April. So if the plant had a flower for Christmas, the gardener can immediately put it in fresh substrate. The following must be observed during care:
- choose a bright location
- pour moderately
- Increase the amount of water if there is visible growth
- Avoid waterlogging
- Turn the plant pot regularly (the amaryllis grows towards the light)
Note: Hippeastrum also tolerates short periods of drought. Too much water, on the other hand, is harmful. As a result, the stem becomes soft and unstable. In addition, the plant shoots up explosively. There is a high probability that the plant will kink.
Care during re-flowering
With the above-described preparation for renewed flower formation, there is no difference to a natural amaryllis. During the flowering period are the following
Maintenance measures important:- no direct sun
- The ideal temperature is 18 ° C to 21 ° C
- moderate watering (every 3 to 4 days)
- fertilize with liquid fertilizer for flowers
Tip: Hippeastrum is also suitable as a cut flower. When kept in a glass, however, the water must neither be too warm nor too cold. Unfavorable temperatures reduce the shelf life.
Care after re-flowering
When the amaryllis begins to wither, the gardener first plucks the first brown petals off. Later he cuts the entire stem just above the substrate. Only if the stem has green leaves should it leave them on the plant. They serve as an important store of nutrients and are a guarantee for renewed flowering. Otherwise the knight's star will only drive out. A shady location is ideal from May to August. The plant feels particularly good in the fresh air (in the garden or on the balcony) in the summer months. However, the gardener has to protect them from hungry snails in the field.
The resting phase begins at the end of August, during which the amaryllis stops growing. From then on, the gardener stops applying the fertilizer. The substrate is allowed to dry out. A dark location is now important. Six to eight weeks later, when the planting time begins, the gardener pots the crop in fresh substrate. Now the cycle closes and the maintenance described above begins all over again. In this way it is possible to make even a waxed amaryllis bloom again over the years.
Note: The amaryllis should be out of the reach of pets. The plant is slightly poisonous.