Houseplants: RHS advises on watering techniques
Amaryllis plants, also known as hippeastrum plants, are popular gifts at Christmas which can flower year after year when looked after correctly.
Known for their gorgeous red petals, this plant is commonly planted from bulbs but full-grown ones are also available to purchase.
To help look after these festive plants, the flower preservation experts at Magenta Flowers, have put together a guide.
They explained: “One of the easiest flower bulbs to grow and care for, amaryllis produces large, colourful flowers and thrives indoors.”
However, when watering the houseplant, it is important to “never” allow it to sit in water.
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This is important with all indoor plants during the winter months as it can lead to root rot, killing the plant off.
The pros added: “Soil should be barely moist. Use the finger dip test to check the soil before watering by dipping your finger one inch into the soil.
“If the soil feels wet, wait to water. When watering, take care not to wet the portion of the bulb visible above the soil.
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“Allow excess water to drain completely – you should never leave your amaryllis to sit in water.”
When taking care of this plant, make sure to keep it out of direct sunlight, at room temperatures of around 15C.
It is important to try to keep sudden room temperature changes to a minimum as they don’t like draughts or heat.
The experts at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) also recommended turning the pot regularly to prevent the flower stalk from growing towards the light.
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To encourage blooms for years to come, the RHS recommended cutting down spent flower spikes to the base after it has finished flowering.
Amaryllis’ are also easily propagated too, and will produce flowering bulbs, which will be identical to the plant parent.
The RHS said: “Separate offsets from the main bulb when repotting in January to March, look out for offsets with their own roots.
“Pot up in individual pots in a free-draining compost, keeping them at a temperature of 21C. Feed in the same way as potted seedlings and don’t induce dormancy.”
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