I’ve got some amaryllis plants that are doing that right now, or rather I should say they are doing nothing right now.
They are basically the same as when I bought the bulbs, except the shoots are a little greener than when I took them out of their dark boxes.
I’ve been analyzing the situation to determine what could be wrong. Here are some of my theories.
- I’m not watering them enough or maybe I'm watering too much. I actually don’t think this is the problem.
- They aren’t getting enough light. That can’t be it, as we’ve all seen amaryllis trying to bloom while still in their dark boxes in the stores and these are by an east window.
- I bought cheap bulbs and they were a little on the small side. Maybe this is as fast as I should expect for $3.99 a bulb.
- I’m simply not patient enough. Maybe these bulbs just need a bit more time to get established in their pots and then they’ll take off.
I think the most probable cause of the slow growth is a combination of the last two theories. I did buy smaller bulbs and now I just need to wait them out. They will bloom in time. I’ve never had an amaryllis bulb that didn't bloom!
But just in case, I am going to try a new method of getting these to grow. A co-worker gave me this sign for my garden today.
I shall place it in one of the amaryllis pots and that should do the trick.
Yes, I’m going to bully these amaryllis plants into growing and blooming. It may be too late for Christmas but these are the perfect colors for Valentine’s Day.
I really don't like to resort to these kinds of methods, really. I've learned my lesson. Don't cheap out and don't procrastinate. So next year, I'll buy bigger, better Amaryllis bulbs and I'll pot them up earlier.
Comments
I wouldn't think the size of the bulb would affect anything except the size of the bloom. Maybe there is an amaryllis expert out there someplace that can tell you the secret of making them grow faster.
Grow little amaryllis. You don't know how close to the compost bin you are sitting.
Carol, I wanted to thank you again for posting about the Felco pruners earlier this fall. I bought a pair and I like them so much that I just bought another pair for my mother-in-law for Christmas. I can't begin to tell you how wonderful it is to use a pair that don't lock up all the time.
Have a happy holiday season!
Mine usually don't bloom until early March, because I don't give them a dormant period and their timing is all screwed up.
mss @ Zanthan Gardens
Pam/Digging
Coal in your stocking for being mean!
This is a test.
Zoey... It's good to hear the Felco's are working for you. They are expensive, but well worth it.
Mary... Wouldn't our gardens look funny with signs like these next to all the slow growers.
Cold Climate Gardening (Kathy)... No bottom heat for these amaryllis. I don't like to do anything special to get them to grow!
EAL... I think I'm just going to wait them out. Maybe there timing is all messed up from being sold in a big box retail store!
Nickie... That's a lot of amaryllis bloom!
M Sinclair Stevens (Texas)... We could never let these be out all winter here. They are definitely house plants.
Stuart... Very funny, buying them in bulk... very funny.
Sister with the Homestead... Hey, I didn't use the language, it's just whats on the sign! No coal for me!
MSS... Yes, it's true. I checked it out and they decided to put it back. They listened to all the complaints, I guess! What a nice Christmas present.
Thanks to all for the comments and suggestions.
Carol, May Dreams Gardens
Chuck B... In my sun room the temperature does vary about 5 degrees between day and night, maybe that's not enough or they are too close to the window. Usually I set them on a table in the middle of the sun room and they do just fun.
OldRose... Did it work? Because if it did, I might just try it!
Carol, May Dreams Gardens
Starting off with small bulbs will cause some setback.Your plants should be kept at a temp between 70 to 75.Once the bulb sprouts you should keep the soil moist but not soggy.Im am sure you will get them going in no time.
I bought a new bulb this winter ('Lemon Lime') and that's in bloom right now, but it took its sweet time about it, too!
From what I understand the reason they don't bloom as well, if at all the following year is that they have to make more roots so all the energy is put in to that. When you buy a loose bulb at the store the roots are usually all dried up, but the bulb will flower anyway that year because it has stored energy from the year before. So I suppose if you wait for a 3rd year you might get a bloom...also don't fertilize with too much nitrogen. The biggest problem I see are when they get over watered and the bulb rots.
Enjoy your blooms whenever they may decide to make their appearance!
At first I didnt know what's the name of this flower till i searched it...and oh so beautiful! Im enjoying this flower and never have this before and I hope all of them will grow and I hope yours too. The grow dammit sign so funny made me smile and glad I got them amaryllis free....Misty