Expert: Long Island Gardener - 1/11/2008

Question
Hi! I bought several Amaryllis kits. Each consists of a pot, a bulb and coir fiber. This coir fiber is new to me, but I really like it, because I tend to overwater my plants. However, after additional research on-line I have some doubts. On one web-site describing this fiber, I learned that it doesn't contain any nutrients. On several web-sites they advise to use a liquid fertilizer once every two weeks. I bought a 10/15/10 Coloburst liquid fertilizer, which should be connected to the hose. I assume that the water will be mixed with fertilizer. But, I have my plants inside the house. In what proportion should I mix the fertilizer with water? I am making compost, but it's not ready yet, and I don't want to disturb roots. Some of the Amaryllises are not going to flower, so I want to feed them with another slow releasing fertiliser high in Nitrogen (it's in granules). Can I use it?

Answer
You state that 'some of the amaryllises are not going to flower' -- I am wondering how you would be growing them and that you would already know that.

Coir is something people who hate having dirt in the house like to use so they can grow things.

It is not for someone who really, really likes to grow things, as it is impossible for any plant to thrive in Coir no matter how much you fertilize it.

If you love these Amaryllises, put them in pots, with dirt, and leave them there.  Amaryllis hates to be transplanted.  The pot should be slightly undersized, preferably Clay (to allow for more breathing at the root level), and placed in the Sunniest window you have (or outdoors).

Fertilizer is largely unnecessary if you use a good potting Soil.  Once a year is plenty.  Don't over-fertilize this plant -- Fertilizers are by definition SALTS and you know how bad those are for Plant Roots.  Stick to natural Fertilizers and under-feed.  They need Sun, Water and Soil more than anything.

It's very simple, growing these.  They are foolproof and spectacular.  Your Compost may be used as a topdressing eventually, and if you do use it, you won't need anything more.  Make absolutely certain that they do get enough Sun, Water and Soil, however -- this is not something you can compensate for by applying vitamins and minerals.

Hope that's clear.  Any questions please let me know.  Thanks for writing.