Due to its tropical origin, the amaryllis has its very own way of overwintering. When and how to care for it and what other requirements it has, you can read here.
Overwintering amaryllis: Flowering from December
The amaryllis originates from tropical regions and adapts its natural growth cycle to the rainy and dry seasons there. Unlike many other houseplants, it blooms in winter, between December and February.
Its dormant period, which is usually overwintering, takes place between August and December. Accordingly, we can rather speak of “oversummering” with her, but more about that later.
First, we will show how to care for the amaryllis in winter – because in order to bloom in full splendor from December, a few conditions must be met. The ideal winter habitat for the amaryllis from December to February looks like this:
- The temperature should be around 19 degrees Celsius.
- The amaryllis likes it bright, but does not need direct sunlight.
- Be careful when watering: the plant does not like waterlogging, but it should not dry out either. Water it once a week and be sure to pour off excess water.
You do not need to fertilize your amaryllis in winter.
When the flowering period slowly comes to an end in February, the next growth phase of the amaryllis begins.
- This lasts until about August.
- Remove all flower spikes and water more generously.
- During the growing season, the amaryllis likes it warm: a windowsill is perfect for it.
- You should also fertilize it once a week to support its growth.
Amaryllis over summer: Proper care during the dormant season
After the growth phase described above, the amaryllis enters the dormant phase. This begins in August and ends in November.
- Reduce the watering step by step in August. From September onwards, stop watering completely, unless it is a very warm, summery September. Then you can still water moderately.
- The leaves will start to wilt. You can remove them carefully.
- You can then either take the bulb out of the pot or store it in the pot in the cellar. The main thing is that it is quite cool, it should not be more than 15 degrees Celsius during the rest period.
- Until November, leave the amaryllis bulb to rest and do nothing during this time.
- In November, take them out of the cellar and pot them in fresh soil. Place them in a room-warm, bright place and only water them again moderately after three to four weeks. Then the cycle starts all over again.
