How long does the blooming period of Hippeastrum last?
Let's talk about the blooming period of Hippeastrum and share some experiences on the maintenance of green plants during the flowering season. Here is a detailed introduction for you.
Hippeastrum, also known as red lily, is a perennial herb of the Hippeastrum genus in the Amaryllidaceae family. The bulbs of Hippeastrum are nearly spherical, with 6-8 leaves, and the flowers are particularly beautiful. The flower stems are hollow and slightly flattened, mainly distributed in Brazil and most provinces of China. Many people are curious about how long the blooming period of Hippeastrum is, so let's take a look together.
Hippeastrum can bloom twice a year, once in summer and once in winter. The first blooming period is from April to June, and the second is in winter. The blooming period of Hippeastrum is about ten days, so its total blooming period is about twenty days. However, with good maintenance, this period can be extended to thirty days, and it can bloom every year. Although the blooming period is short, the flowers do not degrade, allowing for annual viewing. Due to different temperatures and bulb nutrients, the blooming period varies. Generally, moderate low temperatures combined with sufficient bulb nutrients can result in a long blooming period for Hippeastrum. Additionally, avoid fertilizing during the blooming period, as it may shorten the blooming period.
Hippeastrum prefers warm and humid climates, with an optimal growth temperature of 18-25°C. It does not like extreme heat, and the sunlight should not be too strong, so it should be kept under a greenhouse. It dislikes waterlogging. During the winter dormancy period, it requires a cold and humid climate, with temperatures between 10-12°C and not below 5°C. It prefers fertile, well-draining sandy loam soil. If the soil moisture is high in winter and the temperature exceeds 25°C, the stem and leaf growth will be vigorous, hindering dormancy and directly affecting the normal blooming in the following year. Light also has an impact on the growth and blooming of Hippeastrum. Avoid strong sunlight for extended periods in summer, and ensure sufficient sunlight in winter cultivation. The soil should be loose and fertile sandy loam with a pH of 5.5-6.5. Avoid waterlogging, and proper maintenance can extend the blooming period.
Pay attention to light and temperature to appropriately extend the blooming period. Hippeastrum prefers warm, humid, and cool climates and does not tolerate heat. Ensure six hours of scattered light every day during the blooming period. If grown outdoors, provide shade during the hot midday sun. During winter blooming, keep it in a warmer place and adjust the temperature to 18-25°C. Avoid placing it near doors or windows where it could get frozen. If there is underfloor heating at home, keep it elevated to prevent burning the plant. During the blooming period of Hippeastrum, water appropriately to keep the soil moist but without积水. When watering, feel the soil while watering; if the soil is completely moist but not clumpy, it means the watering is done correctly. Before the full blooming period, you can apply a small amount of phosphorus and potassium-rich thin fertilizer to promote blooming. After the flowers fade, cut off the flower stems to concentrate the nutrients.
Although the blooming period of Hippeastrum is not very long, we still need to pay attention to proper maintenance, which can not only ensure normal blooming but also extend the blooming time.
The above information is a detailed explanation of how long the blooming period of Hippeastrum lasts and the observation of Hippeastrum during the flowering season, for your reference and suggestion!