Naranja
Naranja
Naranja
Casablanca
Casablanca
Showmaster
Showmaster
Reve
Reve

Amaryllis

People often call the knight star ‘Amaryllis’, but that is actually a misnomer. The real Amaryllis has massive stalks, usually with pink flowers. This plant, however, has hollow flower stalks, often with red and white flowers, although you can sometimes get them in purple, pink or salmon pink colours. 

The name Hippeastrum comes from the Greek and literally means ‘knight’s star’, referring to the star-shaped petals. Hippeus = knight and astron = star.

  •   Properties
    Scientific name
    Hippeastrum
    Family
    Amaryllidaceae
    Synonyms
    Amaryllis, knight star
    Origin
    South and Central America and the Caribbean
    Meaning
    Enchanting beauty, Pride
    Shelf life
    Hippeastrum will last for between 7 and 14 days (depending on country of sale, shipping and storage time, the provision of cut flower food, freshness and conditions at the consumer).
    Season
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
                           
  •   Care tips florists
    • Hippeastrum can be stored dry in boxes in the cold store at 8 to 12 °C. Colder is not good - it will cause the flowers to glaze.
    • In order to ensure that the flowers and foliage do not droop or yellow, it is a good idea to place the flowers in a small amount of water after a few days.
    • Cut a piece off the end of the hollow Hippeastrum stems, by cutting them straight they will curl less.
    • Place the Hippeastrum in clean buckets or vases with clean water.
    • Add a preservative, preferably one specially intended for bulb flowers. A preservative will ensure that the flowers open nicely and that the water is not contaminated by bacteria.
    • Ensure that the flowers cannot become damp as a result of excessive humidity or condensation because of the risk of Botrytis. with Hippeastrum this is often called spotting or speckle due to the small patches on the flowers.
    • When creating bouquets and arrangements, it is a good idea to insert a stick into the hollow stem to help support the heavy flowers. This is only necessary on the older cultivars; the new range has stronger stems.
    • Place tape or an elastic band around the stem in order to prevent the ends of the stem from curling. This will ensure that the flower continues to drink for longer.
    • When using Hippeastrum in oasis, it is a good idea to make the hole first before inserting the flower into it.
  •   Care tips consumers
    • Pay attention to the ripeness: there must be colour in the flower buds.
    • Trim the hollow stems straight across with a sharp knife. Cutting the stem straight across means that they will curl up less quickly.
    • Place them in cold water.
    • Add cut flower food (specifically for bulb flowers or general). All the buds will then open.
    • The vase needs to be topped up regularly.
    • The best position for Hippeastrum is a cool spot. The flowers will be exhausted faster in a warm room, next to heat sources or in direct sunlight.
    • Hippeastrum should not be placed next to fruit because the ethylene gas which the fruit gives off will cause the flowers to age rapidly.
    • Remove exhausted flowers.
    • Hippeastrum will last for between 7 and 14 days (depending on country of sale, shipping and storage time, the provision of cut flower food, freshness and conditions at the consumer).