Amaryllis

[jpyerry]

Now that we heading into the holiday season, I have started thinking about holiday season plants, namely my Amaryllis.

So, I bought the Amaryllis last December and it displayed magnificent flowers. As such, I want to rebloom it. So I have had it in its planter since its original purchase and it has been enjoying the summer sunlight.

Just today, I unpotted it and discovered that the outer layers of the bulb started sloughing off.

Is this normal for this plant?

Thanks,
Justin

[katrina]

As long as it's firm it's fine. They do sometimes peel the outer "skin"...kind of like an onion skin before you get to the actual onion.

Did you give it the proper rest? No rest could mean you might not have flowers this year.

[Leafmite]

I have had the same ones for about fifteen years. I don't get mine to bloom for Christmas but around February or March, sometimes later. I usually put the pots outside for the summer (this year and the last, I just planted them in the ground and dug them out, put them in a bag) and fertilize with a good fertilizer. In the autumn, I bring them inside, don't water let the leaves die back. I store them near a window. At some point, they send out a new bloom, then leaves. This year, some bloomed in February, some bloomed during the early summer. Each year, the bulbs either get larger or multiply so the show is nicer. It won't hurt them if they lose a few layers, as long as they have plenty more for energy reserves. As Katrina suggests, they will need a dry rest period so that they can complete the cycle. I believe what is done to get them to bloom at Christmas is that they are dug out in early August and allowed to dry and die back at that point so they are ready to grow in the autumn. I hope this helps,
Leafmite

[Phalkiller]

When i lived in florida, I grew Amaryliss in my flower beds and they never got a resting period. They flowered each spring and also grew bulblets. I have never grown them in pots and without the worry of freezing from winter, they were only disturbed when i felt like dividing. I had noticed softening once but like the other members said it should be ok. I hope i didn't step on anyones toes as my growing conditions are different and what i experienced was only specific for my area or to me.

[Leafmite]

I'm always glad to learn more about plants. This method just works for me. I have to dig up quite a few types of bulbs that aren't winter tolerant and they get a resting period whether they like it or not. With this treatment, I get blooms every year. No idea why. : )
Leafmite

[janet_a]

I grow mine in plastic pots inside my house and never give them a dry rest. They bloom in early spring.

Currently have them out on the front steps for their biannual spray-down for mites.

[jpyerry]

The bulb is firm and the layers are white. I am now giving it a dry rest in my garage. I will try replanting it in two months or so. So, I guess I will see whether or not it is well at that time. Thanks to all for commenting.

Justin