Amaryllis, also known as Hippeastrum x hybridum or simply Hippeastrum (hi-pee-a-struhm), is a herbaceous bulbous plant belonging to the genus Hippeastrum and a member of the family Amaryllidaceae or the Amaryllis family.
The genus Hippeastrum, which means “knight’s star in Latin,” was given by the British botanist William Herbert in the 1800s. It was said to reference its star-like flowers.
The name was also said to originate from the Greek word “hippeus,” meaning rider, and “astron,” which means stars.
Others also believe it was derived from the Greek word “hippos,” which means horse, referencing the plant’s closed flowers resembling horses’ heads.
On the other hand, the name “amaryllis” originated from the Greek word “amarysso,” meaning to sparkle.
This perennial herbaceous bulb is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America and the Caribbean, including Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru.
Amaryllis is well-known for its showy and large trumpet-shaped flowers resembling lilies and strappy leaves.
Amaryllis goes by several common names, including:
- Barbados Lily
- Christmas Rose
- Christmas amaryllis
- Dutch Amaryllis
- Hippeastrum x hybridum
- Fire Lily
- Lily of the Palace
- Ridderstjerne
- South African Amaryllis
For many years, Hippeastrum amaryllis is often confused with the true Amaryllis (also known as belladonna lilies) because they resemble their flowers’ appearance.
The difference between the Hippeastrum and true Amaryllis is that the Hippeastrum Amaryllis bulbs are from Central and South America, while the true Amaryllis bulbs are native to South Africa.
In addition, the true Amaryllis genus only has 2 species, while the Hippeastrum Amaryllis has about 90 species and over 600 classified cultivars.
Some of the notable varieties of amaryllis include:
- ‘Apple Blossom’ – pink and white flowers with green throats
- ‘Faro’ – white or salmon-colored delicate flowers
- ‘Matterhorn’ – pure white blooms with yellow-green throat
- ‘Samba’ – large, red ruffled flowers with white markings
- ‘Summertime’ – 7-inch watermelon pink or dark rose-colored flowers with greenish centers
Quick Facts On Amaryllis
- Family: Amaryllidaceae
- Light: Full Sun; Partial Shade
- Temperature: 70° to 75° degrees Fahrenheit
- Water: Regular Moderate Watering
- Fertilizer: Half-strength water-soluble fertilizer
- Propagation: Bulbs or seeds
- Common Problems: Leaf scorch, Mosaic virus, moth caterpillar, mealybugs, spider mites, thrips
Amaryllis Care
How Big Does Amaryllis Grow?
Hippeastrum Amaryllis are fast-growing flowering plants, commonly reaching 1′ to 2′ feet tall (12″ to 24″ inches) with a spread of about 9″ to 12″ inches wide.
When Does Amaryllis Flower? Are The Flowers Fragrant?
Amaryllis are perennial flowering plants prized for their large, showy trumpet or funnel-shaped blooms that are 5″ to 8″ inches across.
The flowers have a wide color variation based on the hybrids and varieties.
The colors available are the following:
- White
- Red
- Pink
- Peach
- Apricot
- Salmon
- Bicolor
Some varieties are even striped or multicolored.
Each inflorescence has 3 to 5 flowers, depending on the variety, and they are borne on hollow stems that commonly reach 12″ to 36″ inches long.
In addition, Amaryllis is a broadleaf evergreen with large, basal, strap-shaped leaves that grows when the flowers open.
The green strap-shaped leaves typically reach around 12″ to 36″ inches long.
It is sweetly fragrant. The white varieties are the most fragrant.
In general, Amaryllis is a seasonal bloomer, but you can expect your Amaryllis to bloom with delicate fragrance for 3 to 7 weeks or longer naturally in summer (March to May).
For potted Amaryllis, you can control and force them to bloom at a specific time (Thanksgiving or Christmas) by setting the plant through the summer outdoors.
Afterward, bring the potted Amaryllis indoors and withhold fertilizer and water for several weeks to force them into a short dormancy period.
What Are The Lighting Needs And Temperature Requirements?
Hippeastrum Amaryllis are tropical deciduous plants that thrive in full sun to partial shade locations, with morning sun but not direct afternoon sun.
Bright shade or sun-dappled shade is best for this plant when planted outdoors.
For full sun, Hippeastrum Amaryllis needs about 6 or more hours of direct sunlight daily and 2 to 6 hours of direct sunlight but only on certain parts of the day for partial shade conditions.
This perennial herbaceous bulb’s ideal temperature is 70° to 85° degrees Fahrenheit.
However, the daytime temperature should not exceed 64° degrees Fahrenheit during the blooming season and may tolerate 35° degrees Fahrenheit without damage.
In the winter, the temperature should not exceed 61° degrees Fahrenheit and may survive in zones 7 and 8 if properly mulched.
In general, Hippeastrum Amaryllis grows well in USDA hardiness zones 8 to 10 as they are tropical plants, meaning they prefer warm temperatures.
How And When To Water And Fertilize Amaryllis?
Hippeastrum Amaryllis needs average watering needs as it can tolerate drought.
Still, it’s also important to remember that the soil needs to be moist to keep it from drying completely during the active growing season.
Increase the watering frequency once the flowering period starts, but ensure not to overwater it as the bulbs may rot.
Hippeastrum Amaryllis must also enter dormancy after flowering to rest the blubs for future blooms.
For fertilizer application, apply a half-strength water-soluble fertilizer month during its active growing season.
What Is The Best Soil For Amaryllis, And When Should You Transplant?
Hippeastrum Amaryllis prefers fertile and well-drained soil rich in various organic matters for the best growth.
A good quality garden soil may also work well for this plant as long as the area is well-drained.
For potted amaryllis, the ideal soil is a good-quality, well-draining sandy loam potting mix.
Here’s what you need to remember when planting:
- Plant the amaryllis bulbs 6″ to 12″ inches above the ground.
- Plant the bulbs in late September or early October.
- The bulbs should be planted with less than 12″ inches of space apart.
- Plant the bulbs with half of their nose above the ground.
- Add more soil around the bulb’s sides.
You may repot your Hippeastrum Amaryllis every 3 to 4 years after its rest period.
Does Amaryllis Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?
Hippeastrum Amaryllis is generally low-maintenance, but you may cut back the flower stalk above the bulb when the flowers wither or fade to encourage future blooms.
This plant is also phototropic, meaning it re-orients or faces the shoot growth toward the direction of a light source.
Because of this, it’s best to stake the flower stalks of the Hippeastrum Amaryllis, but be careful not to damage or piece the bulbs.
How To Propagate Hippeastrum x Hybridum Plant?
Hippeastrum x Hybridum Plant may be propagated using two methods, including:
- Seeds
- Bulbs
For seed propagation, here’s what you need to do:
- Sow the seeds in spring and place them in seed compost.
- Keep the temperature about 70° degrees Fahrenheit.
- Start feeding the seeds with general pot plant feed after germination, about 5 to six weeks.
It’s important to note that hippeastrum raised through seeds may take up to 6 years to flower and reach maturity.
For propagating hippeastrum through bulbs, here are the steps to follow:
- Separate and remove the bulb offsets from the main bulb from January to March.
- Pot each bulb in an individual pot with excellent drainage.
- Maintain temperature at about 70° degrees Fahrenheit.
Hippeastrum Amaryllis Plant Pests And Diseases
Hippeastrum Amaryllis is prone to sap-sucking pests, such as:
- Aphids
- Mealybugs
- Spider mites
- Thrips
If you see a minor infestation of these pests, you can remedy it by rinsing the plant’s leaves off with a steady stream of water.
You can also treat it with insecticidal soap, horticultural, and neem oil for large-scale infestation.
Hippeastrum Amaryllis is also prone to diseases, such as:
- Leaf scorch
- Mosaic virus
- Bulb and Root rot
- Red blotch disease
Uses Of Hippeastrum Amaryllis
Hippeastrum Amaryllis is a showy perennial flowering plant, making it a great decorative plant to use in borders, gardens, and beds.
It’s also a great exhibition bulb and makes excellent cut flowers.
In addition, you can also use the Amaryllis plant as an indoor houseplant or potted plant for special occasions, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas.