Amaryllis OR Hippeastrum?

Karen Woytowich By Karen Woytowich
on December 30, 2007 at 12:00 AM, updated December 30, 2007 at 12:13 AM

Did you realize that spectacular, indoor bulb flower that you think is an Amaryllis, really isn't? It is actually a related genus called Hippeastrum. Amaryllis belladonna, is known as the Belladona Lily. It is a native of South Africa and was introduced into cultivation in the early 1700's.
Hippeastrum is a genus of 70-75 species and about 600 hybrids. These are originally from the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The Dutch started hybridizing them in the late 1800's.

Amaryllis belladonna can be grown in zone 7 (New York City). Leaves are produced in the early spring and then dies down by late spring. The bulb is dormant until late summer when each bulb will produce one or two leafless stems that bear a cluster of funnel shaped flowers (which are mostly white, but may also be pink or purple).

Hippeastrum is strictly an indoor bulb plant! They cannot tolerate cold temperatures. They are available at nurseries, florists, and large chain hardware stores. Sold in kits, which consist of one large bulb, potting mix and (draining) container, prices vary from $10 and up. They are extremely easy to care for, just follow instructions on the box. Make sure the bulbs are healthy, rejecting any that are soft, have blue or green mold, look decayed or extremely dried out. The bulbs that come in kits have gone through a "resting" period, so when you open the package, and plant the bulb, growth should happen in days. If you have any bone meal, mix a spoonful into the potting mix to give plant a "boost" to bloom.

If you decide to just purchase the bulb, the larger sized bulb is the better. Select a container with drainage holes (it can be clay or plastic). Soak the roots of the bulb in warm (not hot) water for a few minutes. This will make it easier to spread the roots evenly in the container. Position the bulb so the top third is above the soil line. Give the bulb bright, not direct light and water it once. Do not water it again until leaves start to appear...and then water sparingly. Too much water will cause root rot (even with a draining type container). When a flower stalk appears, watering can be increased, but should never be fertilized when in bud or flower. Plants take somewhere between 2-6 weeks to bloom after potting.

Hippeastrum produce more flowers when the plant is pot-bound (meaning snug in its container). Bulbs will produce offsets bulbs which should be left with the mother bulb until they reach blooming size, and then they can be removed and potted on their own.
After the flowers have bloomed, let the stalk die back naturally before removing. If you decide to summer your plant outdoors, remember to give the bulb good drainage.

After the leaves have died down, the plant will need a rest period. Any room with average light and cool (50-60 degrees) temps will do, and occasionally water (sparingly). A six week or more period may elapse, before the plant will start to grow again.