Tend to an amaryllis now, keep it for years!

Q: At our annual gift exchange here at work, I received a plant called a “red lion.” So far, it’s been doing OK, as I’m not a plant person, and is just now getting ready to bloom! Since I don’t know much about plant care, would you give me hints on how to care for this remarkably tall plant? — H.H., Albuquerque

A: Actually, the plant you’ve been given is an amaryllis. The variety is called red lion. This marvel offers large red flowers that’ll last, with proper care, for weeks. The plant itself is grown from a large bulb and isn’t hard to care for — you can even get it to re-bloom seasonally for several years to come. For the time being, here’s what you’ll want to do to tend to your treasure.

First, if the pot is wrapped with decorative paper that needs to be cut away. At least the part that is surrounding the very bottom of the pot, so the pot is allowed to drain properly. You’ll need a saucer to set the pot on, so when you water the plant it doesn’t leak all over, creating a big mess. Keep the soil in the pot moist — not soggy — and that’ll keep the amaryllis healthy while it’s working hard to support the blooms. Keeping the plant in a spot that isn’t too warm will extend the length of bloom time, too.

So, right now you have the bloom stalk and should be seeing a couple of skinny strap leaves coming out of the bulb. As the plant continues, the blooms will fade and the leaves will lengthen. After all the blooms are finished, you’ll want to cut that stalk out. Using the sharpest pair of clean scissors you can find, follow the stalk down to the very top of the bulb and cleanly cut it out. Be careful that you don’t cut any of the strap leaves while you are removing the bloom stalk. Keep the pot watered and the leaves will re-feed the bulb as they photosynthesize. They usually get quite long and you can cut them back — removing about half their length — if they get too out of hand.

In July, you’ll want to start abusing the bulb. Start by slowing the amount of water you’d usually offer. Don’t go from good consistent care to no care at all, just be not as caring. The leaves should start to change color, take on a yellowish hue and look like they are withering. That’s good.

By mid-September, cut the leaves off completely and allow the planting a rest period. It’d be best to set the whole kit and caboodle in a spot as cool and fairly dark as possible while the bulb rests.

In late October, you’ll want to unearth the bulb and start the reawakening process. You’ll want to trim the roots to about half the length they are and re-pot the bulb using fresh potting soil. Set the bulb so just the top third of the bulb is at “ground” level. Be sure to tamp the soil down really well to help keep the bulb cemented in the pot. Water the planting so that all the soil gets moistened completely. I like to take freshly potted plants to the sink and gently spray the plantings, allowing them to sit in the water to get the soil thoroughly dampened. Next, you’ll drip them off, set them on the saucer, and set the pot in a spot offering really bright light. Within days, the bulb should wake up and start to throw out its new bloom stalk — showing off yet again.

So, for the time being, keep the soil in the pot moist, and marvel at the blooms as they open and fill your world with color. Tending to an amaryllis now and keeping it around for years isn’t hard to do and the rewards are terrific! Happy Holidays to you all and keep on Digging In. Need tips on growing your garden? Tracey Fitzgibbon is a certified nurseryman. Send your gardenrelated questions to Digging In, Rio West, P.O. Drawer J, Albuquerque, NM 87103.