Why will Amayllis (Amaryllis) not grow?

Yorky · Hawthorn Tree Joined: 17 Apr 2007 Posts: 81

I planted an Amaryllis bulb about three weeks ago, following the instructions very carefully, and it hasn't even started to grow. Here are some photographs - does anyone know what might be the problem? It's supposed to flower in six weekas but I can't see that it will at this stage. The follwing are some photos:

GPI · Posted: Sat Nov 10, 2007 2:01 pm Post subject:

Don't worry too much, as it can often take can take 6 to 8 weeks for an Amaryllis bulb to leaf up.
Just ensure you give it a little water just to keep the soil slightly moist not soaking.
Avoid using cold tap water, instead use room temperature rain water.
The temperature of the room storing the bulb should be warm about 15 to 20c, and there should be a fair degree of natural sunlight.

One thing I thought when I saw your pics is that the bulb seems a bit low in the compost.
I would prefer to leave a half or two-thirds of the bulb above the soil/compost when planting.
This may be a reason why your Amaryllis is a tad slow to leaf.
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Yorky · Hawthorn Tree Joined: 17 Apr 2007 Posts: 81

GPI · Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2007 2:54 pm Post subject:

No, I would leave it for now, sit it out and wait.
If nothing emerges in a few weeks, I would then lower the compost around the bulb.
Even if no growth appears this year, don't dump the bulb, as I have come across cases of Amaryllis taking a year or two to get to leafing and flowering.

Yorky · Hawthorn Tree Joined: 17 Apr 2007 Posts: 81

Thanks again. I was actually going to take it back to the shop but perhaps I should be more patient - I am disappointed though as my daughter was looking forward to seeing the flower.

GPI · Posted: Sat Dec 15, 2007 12:36 am Post subject:

I posted a handy article on how to force your Amaryllis to bloom again next Christmas, provided it does this year.
Have a look...... http://www.gardenplansireland.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1144
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verge · Posted: Sun Mar 30, 2008 1:07 pm Post subject:

BANG, and the pictures were gone.