Correct watering vital for indoor amaryllis
Q: The amaryllis I planted has been growing like gangbusters and now has its first of four blooms opening. But the flower looks a little saggy. Anything I need to check on that you can suggest? — R.V.G., Belen
A: Since the amaryllis has done everything it’s meant to, I’d suggest that you be sure to keep the plant adequately watered. The amount of energy it’s expended getting this far has been remarkable and now the blooms are pulling even more of the stored energy. So I want you to offer a smidgen more water, perhaps a bit more often, to the planting, especially since it’s growing indoors where the temperatures are nice and toasty and the soil could be drying out too fast. A blooming plant will sacrifice its bloom in order to save itself.
A “saggy” bloom can easily be a sign of the plant needing a bit more water.
On the opposite side of the coin, however, is if the plant is sitting in a puddle of water constantly, it’s having a hard time getting enough oxygen through the roots. So get in the habit of pouring off any standing water collected in the saucer a couple of hours after you’ve watered. That way, the soil and plant should have absorbed all they can hold and will use it efficiently until the next time you water.
But living in a nicely heated home this time of year, I’m going to hedge my bets and ask that you make sure the amaryllis isn’t lacking the water it needs to support the blooms it’s wearing grandly right now.
Q: I was given the cutest small decorated Italian stone pine tree and want to know if I can plant it outside soon. — L.L., Albuquerque
A: The Italian is “zoned” to grow here but I have several concerns about this wee tree. Let’s think about this. First, your tree was grown in a place where the temperatures were kept pleasant and probably has never seen the mid40s. At the retailers it’s been displayed, probably indoors, again living in a fairly mild environment. Now it’s happily gracing your home, indoors, and is doing OK, right?
Well, having just celebrated the winter solstice, we’re just now beginning our winter and, baby, it’s cold outside! Your wee tree would more than likely freeze to death if you went ahead and planted it outdoors now, or for that matter anytime soon. I’m suggesting that you treat this treasure as a houseplant until springtime.
If the pot is wrapped in any sort of paper or it’s sitting in a decorative pot that doesn’t drain, strip it off. Check to be sure the pot the tree is in drains and be sure to set it on a collection saucer about 2 inches bigger than the pot.
OK, the pot and saucer need to find a place in your home that is bright, yet as cool as can be. Remember, it’s a pine tree, a spoiled one for the time being, but nonetheless a pine. Keep the tree watered perhaps weekly, checking the soil with your finger, never allowing the soil and root mass to dry out. I would not suggest fertilizing or re-potting right now because your goal is to keep it alive and quiet at the same time. No extra encouraging to the tree for the time being.
This coming March through mid-April you can take the pot outside daily, bringing it in or being ready to offer protection from any surprise chilly weather for a couple of weeks during the day to harden it off, getting it ready for its life outdoors.
When the temperatures allow, go ahead and plant it come late April. At that point, it’s just like planting a tree you’d get from a nursery. But for now and months to come, treat this spoiled baby like a happy houseplant and look forward to next year when it can go outside and thrive for years.
Tracey Fitzgibbon is a certified nurseryman. Send questions to Digging In, Rio West, P.O. Drawer J, Albuquerque, NM 87103.