The genus name Hippeastrum comes from the root 'hippos' meaning horse. The flower of H. puniceum was likened to a horses head.
A classic "evergreen" for the Holiday season is the wonderful red Amaryllis for indoor forcing. The bulb is planted in peat moss with decorative moss on top in a 7" basket. Put it in a place with lots of indirect light and at room temperature, water very moderately every 3 days and you will be rewarded with flowers in 3-5 weeks.
| Plant Types: | Annual, Interior Plant, Perennial |
| Light: | Shade to Full Sun |
| Height: | 2 feet |
| Width: | 1 foot |
| Zones: | 14a to 15b |
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All types can be grown in pots. Plant Nov-Feb in rich, sandy mix with added bone meal or super phosphate. Allow 2" space between bulb and edge of pot, and upper half of bulb above soil surface.
Broad, strap-shaped leaves usually appear after bloom, grow through summer and disappear in fall if plants are dried off; otherwise foliage is evergreen. Many types will over winter in ground.
Two to several flowers, often 8-9" across form on stout, 2' stems. Bloom in spring if outdoors, or just a few weeks after planting if indoors. Flowers are red to near-orange to white. Force by withholding water for 6 weeks.
Regular water during growth and bloom. When leaves start to yellow, withhold water.
Plant should be fed once a week during growth and continue until no more new leaves emerge and the mature leaves stop growing.
Prune plant by simply removing spent flowers.
Hippeastrums are susceptible to a fungus called spotted wilt, as well as mealybugs and aphids. Remove any damaged parts of the plant and remove any mealybugs or aphids by hand.