Classicblooming bulbsfor the winter holiday , amaryllis ( Hippeastrum spp . ) can raise outdoors in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone 8 through 11 . In mild climates , you could plant them outdoors , although they ask to be covered with mulch for the wintertime in USDA zone 8 . In cooler climate , turn them in pots indoors .
When to Separate Bulbs
Remove the new amaryllis bulb from the " mother " bulbwhen the plant goes dormantin fall . Outdoor amaryllis go dormant naturally in nightfall . You ’ll want to squeeze indoor amaryllis to go dormant in evenfall by following a set of routine .
Potted Indoor Amaryllis
Set an indoor potted amaryllis in a somewhat grim , coolheaded area , like the corner of a cellar , at the end of September and give up watering it . The temperature should be between 50 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit . This will squeeze the bulb to go inactive . Cut the folio off 1 to 2 inches above the electric light with a sharp knife or scissors after they turn browned . Sterilize the knife or scissors first with household spray disinfectant and rinse off the disinfectant off . Tip the container over and lift the incandescent lamp out of the potting soil .
Outdoor Amaryllis
Lift the " mother " amaryllis bulb from the garden soil with a shovel in fall . The leaves will have fade aside by this meter . Cut any remainder of leaves off 1 to 2 column inch above the bulb using sterilized shears or a tongue . crusade the shovel into the soil 6 inches forth from the medulla , making a circle all the path around the amaryllis to loosen the land . Work gently to avoid damaging the bulb . force the shovel in again and swipe the electric light with the tip of the shovel .
Separating the Bulbs
Brush the soil away from the light bulb , lay down sure you do n’t damage the root . The new bulb will be growing on the side of the " female parent " medulla . It will look exchangeable to the chief medulla oblongata but will be one - one-quarter to one - third of the size and will not have any roots . you’re able to usually pry the infant off , but you may postulate to edit out it off . Use a needlelike , sterilized knife to cut the little bulb off . Replant or repot the female parent right out .
Caring for the New Bulb
Pot up the small new lightbulb in peat - based potting mix in a 6 - inch diam bay window that has drain holes . The top one - half of the bulb must be above the potting territory . Set the container in a bright way but not in direct sun . Maintain a temperature of about 60 F and keep the soil lightly moist , not sloughy . Be careful not to overwater because the newfangled bulb has no ascendent and will quickly waste if the soil is kept wet . When the new bulb sprout , or begins to maturate leaves , move it to a warmer , sunnier spot .
Repot Amaryllis
Select a sight 2 inches larger in diameter than the current size of the amaryllis bulb and pick out one with at least one bottom drainage fix . fulfill the pot one - third full with potting dirt . Lift the dormant amaryllis bulb from the sure-enough pot and light touch off as much honest-to-god dirt as potential . Examine the bulb for commencement , or small infant bulbs . Remove the offsets before you replant the amaryllis . Set the amaryllis incandescent lamp in the new pot with the pointed goal of the bulb at the top . Once the amaryllis is growing , water as needed to keep the soil evenly moist .
Warning
Wear gardening glove when handle an amaryllis bulb . It can get serious peel irritation .
