How do you care for Hippeastrum?

How do you care for Hippeastrum?

Hippeastrums thrive in full sun or light shade. Ideally, place near a wall or fence so that they're protected from strong winds, but getting plenty of sunlight. They are drought-hardy, able to survive on virtually no rainfall for a year or two, although flowering may be affected.

Is Hippeastrum the same as Amaryllis?

To put it simply, the true Amaryllis is a bulb from South Africa with only one species in the genus (Amaryllis belladonna). By contrast, Hippeastrums* are from Central and South America with 90 species and over 600 cultivars in the genus – and these are the flowers commercially sold in the UK around Christmas.

Are Hippeastrums poisonous?

An amaryllis (Hippeastrum spp.) in bloom is a common fixture in many households around the holidays, offering a respite of color for winter-weary eyes. The plant is considered poisonous to humans if ingested, primarily causing stomach upset if the bulb is ingested.

Should amaryllis be deadheaded?

Deadhead each Amaryllis bloom as it begins to fade, wither and die. As the blooms die, the plant puts energy into seed production. ... At the very least, ensure that the dead bloom and bulbous area are detached from the stem. The flowers of Amaryllis plants individually attach to the main stalk.

Should I cut the leaves off my Hippeastrum?

Hippeastrum leaves will die down naturally after flowering. We don't advise removing the leaves before this time because they are supplying the plant with food for next years flowers. With regard to division, hippeastrums can be divided in the dormant period (early to mid winter) if they are congested.

Do you deadhead Hippeastrums?

When your Hippeastrum flowers. If you want to deadhead your flowers when they have finished do not cut the bottom of the flower stalk. Take the flowers off at the junction of the flower and the stalk as the flower stalk is providing photosynthesis, putting nourishment into your Hippeastrum bulb.

What is the best fertilizer for Hippeastrum?

The amaryllis requires a low-nitrogen fertilizer because a fertilizer with a high nitrogen concentration can hinder flower development and increase the growth of the plant's foliage. It is best to use a 5-10-10 or 6-12-12 fertilizer for amaryllis plants.

What happens if a dog eats Amaryllis?

The Amaryllis contains Lycorine and other noxious substances, which can cause increased salivation, gastrointestinal abnormalities (vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, and abdominal pain), lethargy, and tremors in both cats and dogs.

What is the meaning of Hippeastrum?

• Definition of hippeastrum 1 capitalized : a genus of tropical American bulbous plants (family Amaryllidaceae) that are widely cultivated for their showy white to crimson flowers and that are sometimes included in the genus Amaryllis 2 plural -s : any amaryllis of the genus Hippeastrum

What zone do Hippeastrum grow in?

• They are typically hardy in zones 8 to 10. Hippeastrum bulbs send up an erect, hollow flower stalk, often before the leaves are produced. Large bulbs may produce more than one flower stalk, either concurrently or sequentially. Each 18-24” tall scape produces two to six large flowers in an umbelliform inflorescence.

Is Hippeastrum poisonous to humans?

• This plant has medium severity poison characteristics. The genus Hippeastrum has about 90 species and hundreds of cultivars.

What is the difference between Amaryllis and Hippeastrum?

• For many years there was confusion among botanists over the generic names Amaryllis and Hippeastrum, resulting in the common name amaryllis used for cultivars of this genus, while the generic name Amaryllis was applied to bulbs from South Africa, usually grown outdoors. This article describes the cultivar amaryllis of the genus, Hippeastrum.