Amaryllis 'Exotic Star'

Where to Plant:

This uniquely beautiful indoor bulb, known for its lily-like, star-shaped flowers striped with raspberry red and lime green, should be grown in a pot indoors. Select a container that is just a little wider than the bulb itself, as they flower best when their roots are slightly restricted. To encourage it to grow, place the pot in a warm, well-lit position such as a sunny windowsill. Once the exotic flowers open, moving it to a slightly cooler spot out of direct sun will prolong their life.

How to Plant:

Plant your bulb in the autumn, about 8 to 10 weeks before you wish it to bloom. Use a good quality, well-drained potting compost. Place the bulb so that the top third, including its neck, sits proud of the soil surface. After potting, water it in thoroughly but then do not water again until you see the tip of a new green shoot emerging. Watering a dormant bulb too early is the most common cause of rot.

Aftercare:

Once new growth is underway, water regularly, allowing the compost to become slightly dry to the touch between waterings. Feed every two to three weeks with a balanced liquid houseplant food. After flowering, cut the spent flower stalk off near the top of thebulb, but allow the long leaves to develop fully. Continue watering and feeding through the summer. In early autumn, stop watering and move the pot to a cool, dark place to induce dormancy for about two months, before bringing it back into the light to start the process again.