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When
Hippeastrum bulbs have finished flowering, many people throw
them out because they consider the plant to be awkward and
ugly looking. If you fall into this category, make sure your
bulb is finished flowering first. Sometimes they can finish
with one flower stalk, then shoot up another one three weeks
later. As these bulbs are rather expensive, you want to make
sure you get the most bang for your buck.
For
those of you too soft-hearted to throw out a living plant,
no matter how ungainly it looks, I have good news. You can
get your Hippeastrum to flower for many years to come, and
it will often create baby bulbs that will eventually flower
like their parent bulbs.
Usually, when your bulb is finished flowering, it will begin
to produce long, strap-like leaves. It's best to move it outside
in the summer, if your growing season is short. It must gather
enough energy inside its bulb to flower again the next winter.
Direct sun all day outside may burn the leaves, so try a partially
shaded spot at first. Hippeastrum can be planted directly
into your garden for an interesting shape and contrast, but
be sure to leave a third of the bulb above ground, and be
careful to avoid wet conditions. You can fertilize throughout
the summer, after the plant has grown leaves. Use a regular
houseplant fertilizer at about half the dosage recommended
on the container.
By September, Hippeastrum should begin its rest period, so
stop fertilizing, water less frequently, then stop altogether.
If your bulb is planted in the garden, you will need to lift
it out to protect it from the rain. Allow the leaves to turn
yellow and then cut them off. Keep the bulb dry and cool for
six to 12 weeks. Most people place their resting bulbs in
the basement or garage. The ideal temperature for this rest
period is between 45°F (7°C) and 59°F (15°C).
You may leave your bulb in its pot (as long as the soil is
dry) or pack the loose bulb in wood shavings or dry peat.
Don't put your bulb in the fridge, as this can cause it to
dry out.
When the rest period is finished, bring the bulb out, give
it a light watering and put it back in its sunny windowsill
to start the cycle over again.
Morgan Blenk
Photos by Ken McGinn and Morgan Blenk
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