When is the best time to plant Hippeastrum to ensure its survival
Are you curious about when is the best time to plant Hippeastrum to ensure its survival and knowledge about the best soil mixing methods for this plant? The following article will provide you with detailed answers.
Hippeastrum is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Amaryllidaceae family. When not in bloom, it resembles Clivia miniata and is sometimes called "Clivia Red" in some places. The flowers of Hippeastrum are trumpet-shaped, large, and have bright colors, making them highly ornamental. After the spring weather warms up, we can start planting it! Here are some tips on how to grow Hippeastrum in a pot:
Planting Time
Hippeastrum is propagated by planting bulbs. There are two seasons in a year that are most suitable for planting Hippeastrum bulbs. One is in September, during the autumn, when the planted Hippeastrum needs to undergo winter dormancy before sprouting and blooming in the spring. The other is from April to May in the spring when the temperature is between 20 to 25 degrees Celsius, which is the best time for planting bulbs. As long as the temperature is suitable, the bulbs can bloom about 40 days after planting.
It is important to note that most gardening enthusiasts prefer to plant imported Hippeastrum varieties from abroad, which require advance orders from the store. If you plan to plant in April to May, you need to order bulbs in February to March or even earlier, which is why I am writing this article in January.
Handling Bulbs
After receiving the bulbs, first observe if they are plump. If the bulbs look full and firm to the touch, it means you have bought good bulbs. Prepare a pair of scissors, sterilize them by heating them on fire. Use the scissors to cut off the dried roots at the bottom of the bulb, leaving the newly sprouted white roots. Put on gloves and remove all the dried scales from the bulb to expose the white fleshy bulb inside.
If you have carbendazim at home, it is recommended to prepare a solution according to the instructions, soak the bulbs in the solution for 5 to 10 minutes to sterilize, and then remove the bulbs and place them in a cool, well-ventilated area to dry.
Soil Preparation
When planting Hippeastrum, it is essential to use soil that is loose, breathable, well-draining, and fertile. If the soil fertility is insufficient, the growth of Hippeastrum will be slow; if the soil is hard and compact, the bulbs will easily rot.
For those who want to avoid the hassle, it is recommended to buy ready-made nutrient-rich soil from the market. For those who want to mix their own soil, you can refer to this formula: 4 parts of decomposed leaf soil, 2 parts of coarse river sand, 2 parts of garden soil, and a small amount of well-rotted organic fertilizer as a base fertilizer. Mix all the materials well before use.
When is the best time to plant Hippeastrum for survival
Planting Method
The growth range of a Hippeastrum bulb is limited, so there is no need for a very large pot, usually a pot with a diameter of about 20 centimeters is sufficient. When planting, first put some soil into the pot, filling about 6 to 7 parts full, then place the Hippeastrum bulb with the larger end up and press it down on the soil, continue to fill the soil, and fill to 8 to 9 parts full. The bulb should not be buried too deep, with 2/3 buried in the soil and 1/3 exposed above the surface. Planting too deep affects germination, and planting too shallow may cause the plant to fall over later.
Management During Germination
After planting the Hippeastrum bulbs, water the soil thoroughly and place the pot in a warm place, maintaining a temperature of 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. If the surface of the soil is dry, insert your finger 2 to 3 centimeters into the soil. If the tip of your finger feels dry, water it again. If the soil still feels moist, there is no need to water. Avoid overwatering to prevent the tender sprouts from rotting.
About 7 to 10 days later, the Hippeastrum sprouts will break through the soil. Move the pot to a place with ample light, and after about a month of normal care, Hippeastrum will bloom beautiful flowers.
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