Important notes
all parts, bulb most concentrated: Per the ASPCA, toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The alkaloid lycorine is in every part, highest in the bulb. Signs: vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, tremors. Keep out of reach of pets. ↗
ingested; sap on skin: Toxic to humans if eaten too (lycorine + calcium-oxalate crystals irritate mouth and stomach). Wash hands after repotting; keep away from small children. ↗
Lumière
Bright to full sun. During growth and bloom give it a bright window; turn the stalk regularly so it grows straight. In summer it can go outdoors to a sheltered spot.
Arrosage
After planting, water sparingly until the shoot appears — then regularly so the soil stays moist but never soggy. Always keep the bulb neck dry. During dormancy, do not water at all.
Température
Growth and bloom at a warm 21–24 °C. Cooler rooms (~18 °C) make the flowers last longer. Rest period cool at 10–13 °C.
Humidité
Ordinary room humidity (40–60 %) is plenty — no special needs.
Valeurs cibles par méthode et phase
| Phase | pH | EC (mS/cm) | Eau °C | Air °C | Humidité % | Lumière h | Durée (jours) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| care_guide.stages.rooting | 6–7 | — | — | 20–24 | 40–60 | 12 | 21 |
| Floraison | 6–7 | — | — | 18–24 | 40–60 | 12 | 35 |
| Végétatif | 6–7 | — | — | 18–26 | 40–60 | 14 | 150 |
| care_guide.stages.dormancy | 6–7 | — | — | 10–13 | 40–60 | 0 | 70 |
Problèmes fréquents
Only leaves, no bloom (too little light or no rest period), leaning stalk (bending toward light — turn/stake), rotting bulb (too wet, neck covered), red spots (red blotch).
Space & Size
- Final height
- 60 cm
- Final width
- 30 cm
- Spacing
- 30 cm
- Root depth
- 20 cm
- Min. container (Terre)
- ≥ 2 L
Pests & diseases
| Pest / Disease | Symptom | Organic treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Bulb fly / bulb mites | soft, hollowed bulb, weak growth | discard infested bulbs, store dry |
| Mealybugs | white clusters at leaf base | dab with alcohol, neem |
| Spider mites / thrips | silvery stippling, dry air | rinse off, raise humidity |
| Red blotch / leaf scorch | red spots and streaks on bulb, leaves and stalk | remove affected parts, keep drier, improve airflow |
| Bulb rot | mushy, rotting bulb from waterlogging | water less, keep the neck exposed, repot fresh |
Techniques de rendement
Pinch off spent flowers, but only cut the stalk once it yellows — it feeds the bulb. Let the leaves grow and feed all summer: this recharges the bulb for the next bloom. Then rest it cool and dry for 8–12 weeks.
Propagation & pollination
- Method
- offset
- Germination temp
- 21-24 °C
- Pollination
- cross
- Hand pollination needed
- yes
Propagate via offset bulblets beside the mother bulb; from seed is possible but takes 3–5 years to flower.
Flavor
—
Storage
Store the resting bulb cool (10–13 °C) and dry for 8–12 weeks.
History
Hippeastrum comes from tropical and subtropical South and Central America. It has been cultivated in Europe since the 18th century; the large-flowered hybrids sold for Christmas bloom mostly come from the Netherlands and South Africa. The name is often confused with the true Amaryllis belladonna — but botanically this is a Hippeastrum.
Nutrition
Ornamental plant — not edible and toxic. No parts for consumption.
Sources
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