The genus is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas from Argentina north to Mexico and the Caribbean. Reproduction is generally by allogamy (cross-pollination) and Hippeastrum may be propagated by seed or offset bulbils (bulblets), although commercial ventures use in vitro techniques, or splitting of the bulb into sections.
Where does Hippeastrum grow in the wild?
This spectacular plant is endangered in the wild and deserves more widespread cultivation. In the wild it grows as an epiphyte in remnants of the Atlantic Forest of South Brazil. Hippeastrum petiolatum – is a small plant with orange –red flowers and narrow leaves. In the wild this plant also grows as an epiphyte.
What is a Hippeastrum?
Hippeastrums are a favourite plant of the warm climate gardener, with large flowering hybrids being most popularly grown. The name Hippeastrum is Greek for ‘Knight Star’. These plants are sometimes referred to as Amaryllis by older gardeners, however this name is more correctly used for bulbs found in Southern Africa.
Can you grow Hippeastrum from a bulb?
Growing your Hippeastrum Bulbs. In Australia, they are sold as Hippeastrum. You have bought a Hippeastrumeither as a bare bulb, a plant in flower or in a leaf (in a pot). If you bought your Hippeastrumas a bare bulb you should plant it so that the bulb is exposed.
How to propagate Hippeastrum in plant tissue culture?
The technique of plant tissue culture in vitro improves the propagation of Hippeastrum by decreasing the time required to reach the minimum size to start the reproductive cycle, using sections of bulbs grown in artificial media with the addition of plant hormones.
What's the difference between Amaryllis and Hippeastrum?
To put it simply, the true Amaryllis is a bulb from South Africa with only one species in the genus (Amaryllis belladonna). By contrast, Hippeastrums* are from Central and South America with 90 species and over 600 cultivars in the genus – and these are the flowers commercially sold in the UK around Christmas.
What country is Amaryllis native to?
AfricaNative to Africa, the genus Amaryllis comes from the Greek word amarysso, which means "to sparkle." Bulbs were brought to Europe in the 1700s and have been known to bloom for up to 75 years.
Are Hippeastrums native to Australia?
You kill a Hippeastrum if you look after him. JERRY COLEBY-WILLIAMS: These are perennial bulbs. They come from South America, so they would do really well in a warm climate.
How long do Hippeastrum flowers last?
When your Hippeastrum flowers. At the right temperature, flowering will take roughly six weeks. The flowers can last for four weeks, or more.
What does an amaryllis symbolize?
Amaryllis meaning These stunning flowers are believed to mean pride, strength and determination as they stand tall above all other winter blooms. Amaryllis is also a Greek name which means 'to sparkle'.
How many times a year will an amaryllis bloom?
With proper care, an amaryllis bulb will grow and bloom for decades. One grower claims his bulb has bloomed every year for 75 years! How often does an amaryllis bloom? The plant generally blooms once a year.
What do you do with Hippeastrum after flowering?
After flowering is finished (usually within 2-3 weeks), cut flower stems close to the bulb. You can then take the bulb out of the pot (with its leaves) and plant into the garden or a larger pot as preferred (put some well-decayed cow manure into the soil first). The bulb can be lifted again in April-May.
Should I cut the leaves off my Hippeastrum?
Hippeastrum leaves will die down naturally after flowering. We don't advise removing the leaves before this time because they are supplying the plant with food for next years flowers. With regard to division, hippeastrums can be divided in the dormant period (early to mid winter) if they are congested.
How do you get Hippeastrum to flower again?
A To encourage hippeastrum (amaryllis) to flower for a second year, they need a period of rest during autumn. In mid-October position your plant in as light a place as possible, where the temperature will remain between 10°C and 13°C.
How do Hippeastrums multiply?
Hippeastrums can be propagated by division the small plantlets or offsets growing from the mother plant called pups. After dividing the pups they can be transplanted into another pot around May or June and then you would expect these pups to flower within three years.
What is the common name for Hippeastrum?
AmaryllisThe Hippeastrum genus, commonly known as Amaryllis, is native to the warm, tropical and subtropical regions of South America and the Caribbean. The Amaryllis genus is native to South Africa.
How often do you water Hippeastrum?
Place in a well-lit spot at 21°C (70°F) Water sparingly until the new leaves develop and then start watering regularly. Do not let the compost dry out, but avoid excess water collecting in the saucer. Turn the pot regularly to prevent the flower stalk growing towards the light.
Where do amaryllis bulbs grow naturally?
Amaryllis bulbs of the Hippeastrum genus with over 90 species and 600 + cultivars are among the most dazzling of these plants. The Hippeastrum genus, commonly known as Amaryllis, is native to the warm, tropical and subtropical regions of South America and the Caribbean. The Amaryllis genus is native to South Africa.
Is amaryllis poisonous to humans?
Toxic Bulbs of the Amaryllis A red Amaryllis bloom – the bulbs can be hazardous if ingested. Ingestion may induce vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, tremors, and excess saliva. Long-term effects can also include depression and a lack of appetite.
What are the two species of amaryllis?
As of October 2020, Amaryllis had only two accepted species, both native to the Cape Provinces of South Africa:Amaryllis belladonna L. – south-west Cape Provinces; introduced into many parts of the world, including California, Great Britain, Australia and New Zealand.Amaryllis paradisicola Snijman – west Cape Provinces.
What amaryllis smells like?
Bury your nose in an amaryllis (do mind the pollen!), and you might get whispers of a floral note, with fruity undertones – somewhere mid-way between a rose and a nectarine.
What is the name of the flowering house plant?
You'll know this flowering houseplant as either Hippeastrum or Amaryllis. Debate about the true name of this plant, grown from a large sized bulb, has raged for centuries (literally) and the eventual winner was Hippeastrum. The history is complex, so just below this stunning photo is a bite sized snack to help explain it all.
Do hippeastrums produce offsets?
Hippeastrum will produce offsets quite often which is the good news. The bad news is that they take a very long time to reach a really good size, which is required before they will produce flowers of their own. Often it's best to leave the offsets next to the parent plant for several years.
Can hippeastrum be grown outside?
Therefore don't plant it outside when flowering has finished or keep it outside when the temperatures start to dip.
Can hippeastrum bulbs be kept?
To ensure your plant gets a chance to make this happen, after flowering has finished the bulbs should be kept and allowed to build their energy reserve s for the following year . In this way they can be permanent Winter / Spring house guests. A more extensive how to guide for keeping your Hippeastrum flowering year after year can be found further down in this article.
Do you need to repot hippeastrum bulbs?
There is no need to repot each year or to even remove the bulb from the existing pot during the rest period.
How to grow hippeastrum seeds?
Hippeastrum seeds can be also grown any time of the year using The Floatation Method. Floating method is easily done by getting a clear container to add in water and place the hippeastrum seeds so they float on top of the water for them to sprout, the seeds must be kept apart while floating on the water, it doesn’t take long and you should see small roots emerging from the floating seeds, this is when you can plant the seeds into a pot with well drained damp soil, by only the roots in the soil with the papery part of the seed sitting flat on top of the soil, as you notice the seeds germinate. Place a plastic bag over the top for some humidity but not tight, after more leaves appear, take the plastic bag off and expose the seedlings to more air and light slowly, the seedlings must be kept moist at all times, in time you can move the seedlings outside. The other method is to place the seeds directly on top of the damp potting mix.
How to propagate hippeastrum?
Hippeastrums can be propagated by division the small plantlets or offsets growing from the mother plant called pups. After dividing the pups they can be transplanted into another pot around May or June and then you would expect these pups to flower within three years. When you divide the bulbs make sure you start to dig six inches back from the bulbs to ensure you do not cut the bulbs or the bulbs basal plate. Another technique that is widely performed by commercial growers, known as cuttage. My mutual understanding is that this is a process of the bulb cut into four parts each part complete with part of the basal plate. A fungicide must be applied to all the cut sides of the bulb, place the bulb into 1/3 of quality potting soil, place the cut bulb so that the cut side faces upwards. In no time you will witness small plants along the basal plate.
What diseases can hippeastrums die from?
While storing the bulbs good luck. Diseases of Hippeastrums. Diseases include red rust and stem rot in most cases the leaves develop red streaks or big patches of rusty leaves (Stagonospora Curtisii) in most cases if this disease goes untreated red rust and stem rot can lead to the death of the hippeastrum. Overhead watering causes red rust and ...
How to keep hippeastrums healthy?
As the bulb matures and the Hippeastrum begins to bloom the leaves appear during or just after flowering, growers should take care to make sure that the plant is well maintained and every so often they should check in and do some basic maintenance to keep the Hippeastrums healthy . Gardeners should avoid exposing the plant to freezing cold conditions and should make it a point to keep the plant in a warm sheltered position out of direct sunlight especially in the summer months. Doing this allows for Hippeastrums to flower the following year, as well as providing the Hippeastrums with essential nutrients.
What are the two types of hippeastrums grown in Australia?
Two of the popular Hippeastrum species grown in Australia are Vittatum and Reticulatum. There are 600 available hybrids the most popular hybrids are Apple Blossom, Jaffa, Lady Diana, Millennium Star, cocktail, red lion and Donna Mare. Here are three of my many seedlings photos on this page.
Do hippeastrums bloom in spring?
When you grow Hippeastrum Amaryllis the bulb usually produces 4 flowers per stalk that are exceptionally beautiful big and voluptuous, trumpet shaped blooms, that flowers in spring and early summer in Australia. As a rule, the flowers usually flower in a colour sequence by the red varieties flowering first, then the white hippeastrums do flower last. All other colours lemons, pinks, apricots, rose with the same colour or contrasting stripes, dotted and edged all flowering inbetween. Two of the popular Hippeastrum species grown in Australia are Vittatum and Reticulatum. There are 600 available hybrids the most popular hybrids are Apple Blossom, Jaffa, Lady Diana, Millennium Star, cocktail, red lion and Donna Mare. Here are three of my many seedlings photos on this page. Hippeastrums come in either double flowered or single flowered forms and are often talked about by gardeners in Australia by saying do you grow hippies? You can only grow hippeastrums outdoors in the garden if you live in a frost free zone. Because the Hippeastrum is from an exotic warm climate, nevertheless this bulb will still grow anywhere in Australia. When growing the Hippeastrum it is important to plant the bulb properly and provide it with the conditions necessary for its survival. Taking care of the Hippeastrum is also a high priority, as the plant requires watering procedures that are quite unique from other bulbs. It is necessary to maintain and look after the Hippeastrum and make sure that it is thriving in its own environment, checking the bulb occasion is a great way to make sure that the plant is alright and doing well.
Can hippeastrums grow in pots?
Growing Hippeastrums in Pots containers is a good idea in Australia especially if you receive heavy frosts, this way you can move your hippeastrums to a sheltered position. Hippeastrums like to be really pot bound to flower well, they also do not need much or no water during winter this also helps them to flower well.
Who would have thought this place was Hippeastrum heaven?
Aunty Vera would have thought this place was Hippeastrum heaven and I reckon she would have loved to have met Mick, who even after all these years, shows no signs of slowing down.
Can you propagate hippeastrum by seed?
JERRY COLEBY-WILLIAMS: Propagating by seed is all about chance and unpredictability which is what's needed when Mick's developing an exciting new Hippeastrum variety, but once he's found one, it needs to be propagated in a different way to get lots of bulbs that are all exactly the same. It's a great tip for every Hippeastrum-loving gardener and we'll show how later in the program.
Do hippeastrums grow in shade?
It doesn't have to be absolute tropical, but as long as it's warmish.". However, they won't accept true shade. "Not real shade - no, they won't flower, but they'll grow in dappled shade no trouble at all.". Mick shows Jerry what he considers a typical Hippeastrum. "This particular flower here is a good example.
What is a hippeastrum?
Hippeastrums are a favourite plant of the warm climate gardener, with large flowering hybrids being most popularly grown. Photo by puuikibeach. The name Hippeastrum is Greek for ‘Knight Star’. These plants are sometimes referred to as Amaryllis by older gardeners, however this name is more correctly used for bulbs found in Southern Africa.
Where do hippeastrum bulbs come from?
Origins. The genus Hippeastrum has a broad distribution from Mexico, through Central America, the Caribbean and down through South America to Argentina. Brazil is the centre of distribution.
What is a small plant with orange flowers and narrow leaves?
Hippeastrum petiolatum – is a small plant with orange –red flowers and narrow leaves. In the wild this plant also grows as an epiphyte. Hippeastrum puniceum – was once widely seen in Queensland gardens, but sadly is not commonly encountered these days. It’s a very hardy, vigorous and free flowering plant.
How big do hippeastrums get?
Hippeastrums grow from large bulbs, 6 to 12 cm across which are rather like onions in appearance. 4 to 6 mid-green leaves are produced in two planes from each bulb. They are generally 30 to 90 cm long and 2.5 to 5 cm wide. Each flower consists of 3 petals and 3 sepals, jointly referred to as tepals.
What is the color of the leaves on Hippeastrum reticulatum?
Hippeastrum reticulatum – has velvety, deep green leaves with a central silver stripe. The plant could be grown for the leaves alone. The stunning pale pink flowers are reticulated with rose veining.
Where does Hippeastrum papilo grow?
In the wild it grows as an epiphyte in remnants of the Atlantic Forest of South Brazil.
When do hippeastrums bloom?
Hippeastrums do particularly well in areas with a summer dominant rainfall pattern, conditions which best suit their natural growth rhythms. They go into dormancy and defoliate during the dry winters and springs; flower in late spring just before the rains arrive; and the burst into leaf during the warm moist and humid summer and autumn months. Where I live in Queensland the bulbs come into flowers in late September and early October. As you drive around the suburbs, flowers can be spied in many front gardens. In older areas they form huge and spectacular clumps.
What is the color of the hippeastrum?
You get two for the price of one with the double-flowering Hippeastrum ‘Ragtime’ with white touches accentuating the ravishing red.
How many hippeastrums does Tim Drewitt grow?
With all these hippies around him, it might sound like Tim Drewitt is stuck in the ‘60s, but actually he’s just growing them… 60,000 hippeastrums to be exact. Touring his farm, Melissa and Tim discuss the many varieties, how to grow them and of course, Melissa shows us some great planting options.
How do I grow hippies in pots?
Growing hippies in pots is easy. Use a quality potting mix and add bulb food according to package instructions. Then underplant – dusty miller and ornamental chilli look great together – to maintain interest until the stems stretches up and those voluptuous flowers emerge. Check the size of your bulbs before you buy.
How long does it take for hippies to bloom?
Once planted in full sun, hippies will take about 5-6 weeks to flower. If you want to delay flowering, plant in a shady spot. After flowering is finished (usually within 2-3 weeks), cut stems close to the bulb, leaving the leaves intact. Lift bulbs in April-May, cut leaves close to bulbs, and store in a warm, dry place.
What is the difference between a hippie and a naked lady?
They’re in the same family but the key difference is that hippies flower in spring and summer while naked ladies flower in late summer-autumn.
Do hippies grow up?
Your hippies, such as Hippeastrum ‘Juniper’, will grow up big and flamboyant, but for such a showy thing you’ll find it’s not all demanding. Just watch out for snails after it’s been raining.
Can hippies grow in Darwin?
New breeds from nurseries such as Victoria’s Red Earth Bulbs mean you can grow hippies from Darwin to Hobart, so the whole nation can mellow out as these beauties blow your mind. Groovy baby!
Where do hippeastrums come from?
Hippeastrums were first described by the Reverend William Herbert (a British Botanist) in 1819. They come from South America. There has been confusion, which was sorted out in 1987 between Hippeastrum and Amaryllis (which come from South Africa). Hippeastrums are bulbs.
How many species of hippeastrum are there?
Hippeastrums are bulbs. There are approximately 100 species of them although most people grow Hippeastrum hybrids which number about 600. The true species may flower handset leaves at the same time the hybrids generally flower before they grow leaves.
How to rebloom hippeastrum bulbs?
Hippeastrum bulbs can be induced to rebloom yearly by mimicking the conditions in its natural environment (cool dry winters). When foliage starts to yellow, dormancy can be induced by withholding water and placing the plant in a cool 4–13 °C (39–55 °F) dark place for six to ten weeks or until buds start to show. Even when plants are thriving outdoors in temperate climates, dormancy can be induced by withholding watering and fertilising in the northern hemisphere autumn, and bringing indoors to a cool environment prior to the first frost. Leaves will usually wither during this period and a flower stem begins to emerge after eight to ten weeks.
What is the disease that attacks hippeastrum?
A fungal disease attacking Hippeastrum is Stagonospora curtisii (red blotch, red leaf spot or red fire). The leaves are also eaten by grasshoppers, and grasshoppers commonly plant egg pods in the ground near Hippeastrum bulbs, which erupt in the spring, covering the plant with nymphs.
When do hippeastrums flower in Australia?
In Australia they flower from December to April. If you want to deadhead your flowers when they have finished do not cut the bottom of the flower stalk. Take the flowers off at the junction of the flower and the stalk as the flower stalk is providing photosynthesis, putting nourishment into your Hippeastrum bulb.
How long does it take for a hippo astroturbulb to flower?
At the right temperature, flowering will take roughly six weeks. The flowers can last for four weeks, or more. In Australia they flower from December to April. If you want to deadhead your flowers when they have finished do not cut the bottom of the flower stalk. Take the flowers off at the junction of the flower and the stalk as the flower stalk is providing photosynthesis, putting nourishment into your Hippeastrumbulb.
Can you grow hippeastrum in a pot?
In Australia, they are sold as Hippeastrum. You have bought a Hippeastrum either as a bare bulb, a plant in flower or in a leaf (in a pot). If you bought your Hippea strum as a bare bulb you should plant it so that the bulb is exposed. If you plant it in a pot try to confine the bulb.
