Care for plants properly (see Selecting, planting and caring for bulbs).Wipe pruners and stakes used on infected plants with alcohol.Plant bulbs in a clean container with sterile, new potting soil.Carefully inspect amaryllis bulbs before purchasing and do not purchase damaged bulbs or bulbs with cankers. The leaves may become distorted and the flower stalks may break easily making the plants unsightly. The fleshy layers of the bulb underneath these patches should be white and free of markings. The disease is often difficult to diagnose because superficial small red or pink patches may appear on the outside of healthy bulbs. Red spots or blotches that develop into elongated cankers with red borders may develop on the base of the flower stalks and emerging leaves. However, this disease is not usually fatal to the plant. Red blotch ( Stagonospora curtissi) is a fungus disease that may affect both the appearance and the health of amaryllis plants. Poorly drained soil or soil that is constantly wet (overwatered) may also attract fungus gnats, a type of fruit fly. The use of insecticides is generally ineffective. What to do: Because control is difficult, it is best to destroy any infested bulbs as soon as the narcissus bulb fly is identified. The exterior of the bulb may appear normal but will reveal rotting tissue when pressed. The foliage of infested plants may become wilted, yellow and distorted and the plant will eventually die. The maggot larvae feed in the outer scales of the bulb and eventually work their way into the interior of the bulb. The narcissus bulb fly ( Merodon spp.) may lay its eggs in the bulbs of amaryllis plants that are placed outdoors for the summer. ![]() Careful inspection when purchasing bulbs accompanied by proper care will prevent most insect infestations as well as diseases. Blooming can be timed around specific holidays and events.Īlthough there are several insects, mites and diseases that may attack amaryllis plants under greenhouse conditions, they are not as common on amaryllis grown in homes.Flowers usually develop in about 4 to 6 weeks from dormant bulbs.Usually, one or more flower stalks appear first, but occasionally they are preceded by leaves.This process will force the plant to bloom providing the bulb has sufficient energy to produce a flower stalk.Water and fertilize as noted above in After-flowering care.If after 8 to 12 weeks, no new growth has appeared, remove the potted bulb from the dark and place in a sunny location.Water and fertilize as noted above in After-flowering care. If new growth appears during this time, remove the potted bulb from the dark location and place in a sunny window.If found, treat with a fungicide or consider throwing away the bulb. Inspect the bulb periodically for mold or mildew.Leave the potted bulb in the dark for 8 to 12 weeks.Let the leaves become brown and dry before cutting them off.The temperature should be around 50-60 degrees.After bringing the potted amaryllis indoors, store the potted plant in a cool, dry, dark location such as a basement or closet.During this resting period (dormancy), plants use very little of their energy reserves. They will bloom again if allowed to continue to grow.īut bloom time can be controlled by allowing the bulb go dormant (stop growing) for a period of time. ![]() Unlike some other bulbs, amaryllis do not require a rest or dormant period. Set the pot on a saucer and place in a sunny window.Set the pot in a sink where it can drain freely and water until the potting soil is thoroughly moist.Firm the potting medium around the bulb.Add more soil, tapping it down around the bulb, until one-third to one-half of the bulb remains visible.The bulb should sit up above the edge of the container.Set the bulb in the pot so the roots rest on the potting soil.Fill the pot about half full with sterile, new potting soil high in organic matter such as peat moss.The diameter of the pot should be about 1 inch wider than the widest part of the bulb and twice as tall as the bulb to allow space for good root development.Good drainage will minimize the chance of bulb or root rot (rotting from excess moisture).Select a container that has one or more holes in the bottom and drains easily. ![]()
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