If you are one of those who enjoy large flowers, planting Amaryllis in Tenerife is a great option even for the less experienced. In this article, we want to guide you, step by step, to successfully grow these beautiful plants.
Amaryllis are tropical bulbs, native to South and Central America, prized for their ability to produce large, colorful flowers indoors in the dead of winter. They are very noble, dependable plants that don’t need a lot of care, making them a fabulous gift for anyone on your list of affections. Whether you are a gardener or not, planting Amaryllis in Tenerife shouldn’t give you much trouble, so let’s get to work!
Anyone who has experienced growing an Amaryllis plant knows that a bigger bulb means bigger flowers. When you have decided to plant Amaryllis in Tenerife, remember that they require warm temperatures, strong light and water to provide truly spectacular flowering and performance. Importantly, because of their ability to bloom indoors in winter, Amaryllis make popular Christmas gifts and are perfect for anyone looking for flower bulbs to send for Christmas.
Although many devotees grow fresh bulbs each winter, the plants, with proper care, will re-bloom year after year. In some areas, Amaryllis also produces beautiful garden plants in the growing season.
Where tostart planting Amaryllis at home?
To plant Amaryllis in Tenerife, you must first have the bulbs, either bare root that you can plant in your own pots, as part of kits that can be planted at home, or pre-planted in baskets or pots, depending on the variety. South African amaryllis, for example, can be ordered in September and Dutch amaryllis start to be found in November.
Planting pots
- Amaryllis shipped in bags require pots. Start by selecting a pot for your bulbs. If you decide to plant Amaryllis in Tenerife individually, choose a 6-7″ pot. If you plant a group of 3 bulbs, choose a 10-12″ pot.
- Place a well-drained potting mix in a plastic tub. Slowly add warm water and stir by hand until the potting mix is moist but not soggy. Then fill the pot halfway with potting mix, place the bulb on top of the potting mix and fill around the bulb with additional potting mix. Adjust the position of the bulb as needed so that the top third is exposed.
- The final level of the mix should be about one and a half centimeters below the rim of the pot to allow for watering. Secure the mix and water lightly to settle it around the bulbs. Then follow the “Care before flowering” instructions described below.
When planting Amaryllis in Tenerife, pre-planted bulbs in pots only need a full watering with warm water to start growing, but, be careful; as with bulbs that you have received in bags without planting, you must keep in mind to follow the same care before flowering that we present below.
Care before flowering of amaryllis
- When planting Amaryllis in Tenerife, place the pot where the temperature stays above 16° C.
- The warmer the temperature (22° C at night and 25° C during the day is ideal), the faster the bulb will sprout and grow.
- Providing heat at the bottom (place the pot on a heat spreading mat or on top of a refrigerator) can help stimulate growth.
- Water only when the top centimeter of potting mix is dry to the touch. More frequent watering may cause the bulb to rot.
- If the pot is covered with Spanish moss, lift the moss and pour water directly over the potting mix.
- Growth usually begins in 2-8 weeks. Certain varieties of Amaryllis may take longer to sprout. As long as the bulb remains firm, be patient and don’t overwater.
- As soon as the bulb sprouts, provide sufficient sunlight; a south-facing window or sunroom is ideal.
- Rotate the pot frequently to prevent the flower stems from leaning toward the light.
- Flower stems may require support to prevent them from falling over. Place stakes for this purpose.
Care for the Amaryllis after flowering
Congratulations! You have successfully planted Amaryllis in Tenerife and have achieved beautiful and huge flowers. Now it’s time to take care of the plants to keep them healthy and with possibilities of new flowers for next year. With that in mind, follow these tips:
- After flowering, the bulb is exhausted. If you want flowers next year (although many people prefer to simply buy new bulbs each fall), you must allow it to rebuild itself.
- When the last bloom fades, cut the flower stalk about 10 centimeters above the bulb, but do not cut the leaves as they produce nutrients that will be stored in the bulb.
- Place your plant in a sunny window, preferably one that faces south.
- Water the plant when the top few inches of potting mix are dry to the touch. Begin nourishing with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once a month.
- With so much effort and enthusiasm you have succeeded in planting Amaryllis in Tenerife. Now, when the danger of frost has passed in spring, place the pot outdoors in full sun or take the bulb out of its pot and plant it in the ground in a sunny spot.
- In autumn, we often wait until frost blackens the leaves, it is time to bring the bulb indoors. Cut the foliage just above the bulb and store it dry in a cool (12° C), dark place, such as a basement, for 8 to 10 weeks.
- Then set (or transplant) the bulb and water it. Thereafter, keep the potting mix almost dry until new growth emerges and again follow the instructions under “Care before flowering”.
It is always a nice experience to plant Amaryllis in Tenerife. Amaryllis bulbs can re-bloom once or twice a year for decades if properly cared for and transplanted as they grow. Follow our advice in ROOTSyour local garden center and keep your life always filled with the magical color of flowers and plants.
Do you want more tips to design a small garden at home? Visit us at ROOTS and we will advise you about the best plants and suitable elements to design that garden you want to have.
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