Expert: Long Island Gardener - 1/2/2008

Question
My son subscribed me to a "living plant" club this Christmas where I will receive a living plant for Christmas, January and February (kind of like a plant-of-the-month-club).  In January, I am to be receiving a red amaryllis.  I live in Zone 7 (Oklahoma) and I'm wondering if I can plant this outside in the Spring and then just leave the bulbs in the ground over the Fall & Winter.  Also, what type of sun and water conditions do the amaryllis like?  Thank you!

Answer
DO NOT plant an Amaryllis outside, dear, when the weather warms up.  It will not survive the Winter next year.

These Amaryllis bloom on and on.  You should get at least 5-8 weeks' of flowering on this January specimen.

After that, place it in a window, the Sunniest window you can find, and water it ONLY when it gets dry.  That should be only once in a while.  Don't water this on a schedule.  This is not a train you're growing in the Window.  It's a potted bulb and it will tell you it does not like too much water by rotting.  You don't want to have that conversation.

The biggest mistake people make with these is too much water.

It will look boring for months after flowering, unfortunately.  And then it will be even more boring by going dormant.  But next Fall, when it comes back, it will give you even bigger, better, redder flowers than you see this year.  Plus you don't have to care for it while it's dormant.  Leave it in the pot, and stick it under a table somewhere until it starts to grow again.

These are easy.  But most of the time, boring enough that most people lose interest.  Some however adore them.  I am one of the latter.  You, we'll see.

Wonderful gift you got this year.  I'm so jealous.  We should all have a son like yours.  Best regards and happy new year.