The bulbs of Hippeastrum are getting smaller and smaller.
Summary: Knowledge about Hippeastrum bulbs, the bulbs of Hippeastrum are getting smaller, some useful tips and knowledge, recommended for collection!
Friends who have grown Hippeastrum will notice that the bulbs are getting smaller. Guan Guiling from Linjiang, Jilin also encountered the same problem. She asked, "Why do Hippeastrum bulbs get smaller every year? Is there any solution?"
Answer 1: You may be referring to imported Hippeastrum. Hippeastrum bulbs need to be grown in the ground for more than 3 years abroad to meet commercial standards. During these 3 years, Hippeastrum does not bloom, similar to the cultivation of narcissus in China. Once planted, the bulbs have no value.
Based on my experience of growing Hippeastrum over the years, red varieties rarely degrade and can ensure two spikes of flowers each year, with 4 flowers per spike. Other colors degrade more severely. However, if post-blooming management is proper, it can also ensure 4 flowers per spike the following year. Ensure adequate water and fertilizer, grow more leaves, preferably twice a year, with each batch of leaves reaching 4 or more, and try to keep the leaves from withering and falling off before October. After October, cut off the leaves, stop watering, and let it enter a dormant state for a month. By the beginning of November, replace the soil and apply sufficient base fertilizer to slow down the degradation of the bulbs or prevent it. This is my experience, which I hope will be helpful to you. (Li Haifeng, Anshan, Liaoning)
Answer 2: Degradation of Hippeastrum bulbs is inevitable, especially for imported varieties. While this problem is difficult to solve fundamentally, it can be slowed down through proper care, even for imported bulbs, they can maintain their condition for 2-3 years. The key lies in overwintering care. In autumn, Hippeastrum is in its growing period and should be provided with adequate light and timely application of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers to help bulbs accumulate nutrients and undergo normal flower bud differentiation. In December, as the photosynthetic activity of the leaves significantly weakens, all leaves can be cut off, and water and fertilizer should be stopped, keeping the potting soil slightly dry to force it into a dormant state and reduce nutrient consumption, allowing flower buds to develop better. (Some friends see their leaves still growing in winter, so they don't cut them and even move them indoors to continue growing, which consumes nutrients in vain and leads to bulb shrinkage and affects blooming). In the following spring, from February to March, dig up the bulbs and repot them. If there are small bulbs around the main bulb, remove them, either for separate cultivation or discard them to avoid nutrient diversion. When planting, leave the top of the bulb exposed above the soil and start normal watering and fertilization (G-Y), while providing adequate light until the flowers bloom. After blooming, cut off the flower stems in time to avoid nutrient consumption due to fruiting. (Zheng Yi, Shanghai)
Answer 3: This is mainly caused by improper care. Hippeastrum has the habit of "deeply planted bulbs and shallowly emerging scape." It is generally preferable for the bulbs to be slightly exposed on the surface of the potting soil. The soil should be rich in humus. Ensure adequate sunlight and balanced fertilization, with phosphorus and potassium fertilizers as the main focus in autumn, once a week, to strengthen the bulbs' care. You can refer to the second half of the article "How to Cure the Root Cause of Hippeastrum Leaf Spot Disease" in the 7th issue of 2012, which may be helpful to you. (Fang Zhaojun, Jilin)
Answer 4: The reason for the annual shrinkage of flower bulbs is mainly due to nutrient depletion and degradation. Revitalization measures: 1) dig up the bulbs in spring when the temperature is 5°C, dry them in the ground, and replant them the following year. 2) If not suitable for ground planting, change the pot and soil every year. Do not let it grow in winter and let it dry and enter dormancy. 3) When replanting, remove the small bulbs, disinfect the wounds with charcoal powder, and let the wounds dry before planting. 4) Apply compound fertilizer or liquid fertilizer during the growing period. (Ai Jincai, Shanghai)
Answer 5: Every spring, when Hippeastrum comes out of the greenhouse, remove all the small bulbs around the large bulb and place them in another pot for separate cultivation. The large bulb should be repotted with new soil and some base fertilizer placed around the pot, and then liquid fertilizer can be applied later, allowing it to bloom. (Li Jinyi, Xinghua, Jiangsu)
Above is a comprehensive introduction to the shrinking bulbs of Hippeastrum, hoping to provide green plant enthusiasts with some relevant knowledge about green plants.