Hadeco® amaryllis are easy to produce in a short period of time. To ensure the most efficient and consistent growth in your greenhouse, follow the advice below.

1. Pre-Production Storage

Hadeco® Hippeastrum can be stored until the end of January under favourable conditions:

Temperature: 9°C (48°F) is ideal

  • Never allow the temperature to drop below 5°C (41 °F)
  • Temperatures higher than 12°C (54°F) encourage bud development

Humidity: Maintain 70% to 75%  

  • Too low and the roots will dry out (occurs below 65% RH); too high (above 80%) and mould will form on the roots
  • Humidity can be increased simply by pouring water on the floor in the room used for storage
  • Check roots twice weekly to ensure they are not becoming brittle (indicates the humidity is too low)

Ventilation: some fresh air as well as internal circulation is required

TIP: If you notice mould (often appearing first on fine roots), act immediately. This indicates poor air circulation and/or excessive humidity. Remove the bulbs to a well-ventilated area and brush off the mould. You may dust them with a fungicide before returning them to the room. Increase air movement and ensure better exchange with fresh air.

2. Medium

The recommended medium is one that is relatively dense but well-draining, consisting of 2/3 potting soil and 1/3 sand.

  • A pH of 6.00 to 6.80 is best
  • We recommend using a sterilised medium
  • Never use fresh manure, fresh compost or tree bark (tree bark may be used in the decoration above the medium          

TIP: Limit peat-based mediums to no more than 30% of your mix, using it only to lighten the soil.

Peat

3. Planting

  • Use clean pots size 12cm to 15cm for symphony size 26/up. Sonata and sonatini look best planted in 10 cm pots
  • Pots must have drainage holes
  • Do not remove or damage existing roots
  • Hold the bulb so that the roots hang down into the pot. Firm in the medium around the bulb so that no air pockets remain amongst the roots
  • The bulb nose should be above the rim of the pot and the shoulder of the bulb just above the surface of the medium

4. Location for Growing

  • Hadeco® Hippeastrum bulbs can be successfully grown in any well-ventilated and well heated environment
  • Maintain a constant temperature day and night. First 14 days at 20°C (68°F), thereafter 24°C to 26°C (75°F to 79°F) for optimal results
  • Bottom heating is preferred
  • Throughout the production period the temperatures should never fall below 20°C (68°F) or rise above 30°C (86°F). Low temperatures will slow growth, and high temperatures could cause stress in the plant
  • Ensure that the area is well ventilated and that the relative humidity of the air remains as low as possible

IMPORTANT: Shorter stems are encouraged by high light levels, warmer temperatures, and reduced watering. Conversely, lower light, cooler temperatures, and increased watering during forcing will promote longer stems at flowering.

5. Lighting

  • Bright light promotes healthier green stems and foliage, resulting in a more compact plant.
  • Rotate pots 180° every few days, if the light source is indirect from one side.
  • Hippeastrum may be forced in full light or in darkness until the stem is 10cm (4") tall. If the bulbs have been forced in the dark until the marketing stage, the plants will need 4 to 7 days in medium light to form chlorophyll.

6. Timing

If the growth is progressing too quickly, you can slow it down by lowering the temperature. This works best when the stems are around 20cm (8") high. By reducing the temperature to 9°C (48°F) for up to 10 days, growth nearly stops. During this "holding" period, no watering is necessary, and light can be withheld. Once you are ready to resume growth, simply move the pots to a warmer location. For accelerated growth, keep the temperature in the greenhouse steady, but make sure it does not exceed 30°C (86°F).

7. Watering

  • After planting, water thoroughly and firm down the medium well.
  • The second watering application should be delayed by about 7 days to encourage new root formation. A slightly cooler temperature of 20°C (68°F) during this time will additionally promote new root development.
  • Subsequently, the medium should be kept only slightly moist. Tip the pot upside down, and slide the medium out from the pot as a unit, to check the moisture level at the bottom of the pot. Once the medium has dried out to 3cm (1") from the base, it is time to water again. This is usually every 4 to 5 days.
  • It is important not to over water as this can cause deterioration of the roots.
  • Do not water over the bulb noses.
  • Use tepid water of approximately the same temperature as the greenhouse air temperature.

You may refer consumers to www.hadecoamaryllis.com for tips on caring for Hippeastrum at home. 

For further enquiries, please email: export@had.eco