| |
While
Hippeastrum is in flower, it will require more water. You
should check it daily, but water it only when the soil is
dry. The bulbs are prone to rotting and should be kept somewhat
dry. They are usually sold loose, so when you first purchase
one, it will probably have no leaves or flowers, and very
little root mass. Pick one that is firm and heavy, with greenish-white
flesh and thin brown outside layers, like an onion. Be sure
to avoid anything that feels squishy or dried out.
 |
|
 |
Pack the bulb firmly,
but not too tightly,
as the roots need air as well as water. |
|
Leave about one third of the bulb above ground. |
When you get it home, plant it in a pot that is only slightly
larger than the bulb itself. A half to a full inch of space
around the bulb should be sufficient; Hippeastrum flowers
more profusely when pot-bound. Be sure to use a pot that has
holes in the bottom, and avoid soil mixes with a lot of peat
moss in them. Hippeastrum needs a more granular soil to encourage
drainage and prevent the roots from rotting. Pack it firmly,
but not too tightly, as the roots need air as well as water.
Leave about one third of the bulb above ground. Then place
it near a window where it will get some sun, and be patient.
It can take anywhere from three weeks to three months for
your bulb to bloom.
At
first, you should be very careful about watering. The bulb
will not be able to take up much water, and with no leaves
or flowers, it cannot transpire. Let the soil dry completely
between watering, until you see flower buds forming; then
you can water more often, but still allow the soil to dry
a bit in between. Do not fertilize while your Hippeastrum
is in flower.
|
|
