Friday, November 18, 2011

Why hasn't my amaryllis flower budded yet?

I planted an amaryllis bulb in the beginning of June and the green leafy part has grown huge, but it still hasn't budded the flower part yet. I have watered it appropriately and even given it the appropriate bulb food. The green leaves are getting so huge that they are actually falling over, but there is no sign of a flower anywhere...What is wrong??

Why hasn't my amaryllis flower budded yet?
Amaryllis is normally a flower that is a winter bloomer. First off make sure that it is planted correctly. The bulb should sit in the pot so that a third of the bulb is above the soil. The leaves that are growing now are feeding the bulb for a winter bloom. I normally let mine grow in the container outside in partial shade throughout the spring and summer and then bring it in during fall to prepare it for winter blooms. When the leaves begin to yellow around in August, reduce watering. The rest period will begin. From fall to Jan/Feb. put the pot somewhere cooler (around 61-63 degrees) Let it go entirely dry. At the end of January a new flower stalk will appear. Place it in a warmer location, increase watering, give it plenty of light, when it blooms temperature should not exceed 64 degrees. The blooms last longer if they are not in direct light. The more the plant grows the more water it needs. Feed it lightly every month until it shows signs of wanting to go dormant. From September to December keep it dry.


Repot it every 3 or 4 years after its rest period. Use rich potting soil with an equal amount of sand to insure proper drainage. The old flower stalks and leaves dry out by themselves. When repotting remove any dry foliage and stalks.


Dividing side bulbs is the easiest way of propagating. Just replant each bulb in its own pot. It takes 2-3 years for them to bloom though. If you follow these steps then you should have winter blooms on your plant.


I hope this helps. Any more questions feel free to email me. I will be glad to help.
Reply:An amarillis is a flower that takes 12 hours of light and 12 hours of dark to form the flower. I don't know for how many days......maybe a month?


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