Amaryllis Hippeastrum 'Bestseller'
ABOUT
The Hippeastrum 'Bestseller', commonly known as Amaryllis, is a striking ornamental flowering plant. The most captivating feature of this variety is its large, trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom in a vivid display of color. The blossoms of 'Bestseller' are characteristically bright and can appear in hues ranging from deep reds to bold pinks, often with contrasting white streaks or star-like patterns that radiate from the center. These dramatic flowers are typically arranged in clusters atop sturdy, erect stems, which give the plant a regal and poised presence. The Amaryllis 'Bestseller' is further distinguished by its luscious green foliage. The long, strap-like leaves are glossy and arch gracefully, emanating from the base of the stem in a rosette-like fashion. The smooth texture and rich green color of the leaves create a lush backdrop that further accentuates the brilliance of the flowers. Notably, the plant has a tendency to produce multiple stems, each potentially bearing multiple flowers, cultivating a lush, full appearance and promising a generous blooming period. Overall, the appearance of the Hippeastrum 'Bestseller' is one of extravagant beauty marked by strikingly colorful blooms and elegant green foliage, traits that have made it a popular choice for ornamental gardening and as a potted plant for brightening indoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Amaryllis, Hippeastrum
Common names
Hippeastrum 'Bestseller'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Amaryllis, including the Hippeastrum 'Bestseller', can be toxic to humans if ingested. All parts of the plant contain toxic substances such as lycorine and other alkaloids that can cause symptoms if consumed. These symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, ingesting Amaryllis may lead to more serious consequences such as respiratory depression or an irregular heartbeat. It's important to handle the plant with care and ensure it's kept out of reach of children who might accidentally ingest parts of it.
To pets
The Amaryllis, including the Hippeastrum 'Bestseller', is toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. Ingesting any part of the plant can lead to symptoms that may include salivation, gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea), lethargy, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, ingestion can cause tremors, seizures, or hypotension. Because of its toxic potential, it's crucial to prevent pets from chewing on or ingesting any part of the Amaryllis. If you suspect your pet has ingested Amaryllis, contact a veterinarian immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
8-12 inches (20-30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
South America
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to Care For: Hippeastrum 'Bestseller', commonly known as Amaryllis, requires minimal maintenance and can thrive indoors with sufficient light and water.
- Decorative: With large, showy flowers, Amaryllis brings a colorful and vibrant touch to home decor during blooming seasons.
- Quick Blooming: Amaryllis bulbs can bloom within about 6-8 weeks after planting, providing a swift display of beauty in your home.
- Long Bloom Period: The flowers can last several weeks with proper care, offering an extended period of enjoyment.
- Popular Gift Choice: Amaryllis is commonly given as a gift during the holiday season because of its appealing blooms and festive appearance.
- Can Bloom Indoors: It is capable of blooming inside, making it an excellent option for those lacking outdoor gardening space.
- Forces Easily: Amaryllis bulbs can be "forced" to bloom at a specific time by controlling the environment, making them great for event planning.
- Perennial Plant: As a perennial, Amaryllis can bloom year after year with the right care, giving a long-lasting return on investment.
- Propagates Easily: The bulbs can be easily divided to create new plants, allowing gardeners to expand their collection or share with others.
- Diverse Colors: The 'Bestseller' variety, along with others, comes in a range of colors and patterns, providing options to suit different tastes and design schemes.
- Can Be Grown in Containers: Amaryllis is well-suited to container growing, making it versatile for both indoor and outdoor settings.
- Seasonal Interest: Blooming primarily during winter and spring, Amaryllis provides color and interest during otherwise dull seasons for many gardeners.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Hippeastrum 'Bestseller', commonly known as Amaryllis, can be used in photography and art projects due to its striking flowers, providing a vibrant subject for professional and amateur artists alike.
- The Amaryllis's bulb can serve as a natural pest deterrent when planted among other garden plants, as some pests may avoid the area due to the bulb's scent and properties.
- Its long-lasting blooms make the Amaryllis an ideal candidate for dried flower arrangements, where the petals can retain color and shape for extended periods.
- Amaryllis can be used in educational settings such as schools to teach students about plant growth cycles, bulb propagation, and flowering stages.
- The plant's structural qualities can be inspirational for designers and architects, who may mimic the flower's form in their designs and structures.
- Due to their bold and colorful appearance, Amaryllis flowers can be used in event decorations for festive occasions, providing a natural aesthetic and ambiance.
- The Amaryllis can be a muse for developing color palettes in interior design, drawing from the plant's vibrant and varied hues for inspiration.
- The Amaryllis is suitable for ceremonial purposes, such as weddings and funerals, where the symbolic meanings associated with its flowers can add depth to the occasion.
- Parts of the Amaryllis, like the sturdy stem and leaves, can be used in crafts for making natural dyes or for inclusion in handmade paper for a unique texture.
- Amaryllis can be used as a natural indicator plant, giving gardeners cues about the health of the soil and overall environmental conditions based on the plant's growth and bloom quality.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Amaryllis is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Amaryllis is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Pride: The Hippeastrum, commonly known as Amaryllis, often symbolizes pride due to its tall and upright stalks, which hold large, bold flowers.
- Beauty: The striking blooms of the Amaryllis represent stunning beauty, often associated with the vibrancy and perfection of its flowers.
- Determination: Amaryllis blooms with determination, growing from a dormant bulb to a spectacular flower, symbolizing the ability to overcome adversity.
- Achievement: The growth process of the Amaryllis from bulb to blossom represents achieving success, often gifted to celebrate personal and professional accomplishments.
- Love: With its captivating appearance, Amaryllis can also be a symbol of love and affection, expressing deep admiration for someone special.
WaterAmaryllis 'Bestseller' should be watered thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot, ensuring complete soil moisture, typically once a week, but may need more frequent watering during active growth or in brighter light conditions. During its dormancy after flowering, reduce watering to once every three to four weeks with about 10-12 ounces to allow the soil to dry out between watering sessions. Adjust the amount based on the size of the pot and the environmental conditions, but always avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot.
LightAmaryllis 'Bestseller' thrives in bright, indirect light, making an east or west-facing windowsill an ideal spot. Direct sunlight should be avoided to prevent leaf burn. In darker rooms, a grow light can supplement the lack of natural light.
TemperatureAmaryllis 'Bestseller' prefers a temperature range of 65-75°F for optimal growth. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of 50°F and a maximum of 80°F, but prolonged exposure to temperatures outside this range can harm the plant.
PruningAmaryllis 'Bestseller' should be pruned to remove spent flower stalks after blooming to redirect energy into bulb growth, and any yellow or damaged leaves can be pruned as needed. Pruning is usually done immediately after flowering.
CleaningAs needed
SoilAmaryllis 'Bestseller' thrives in well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. A good soil mix consists of equal parts of loam, perlite, and peat moss to retain moisture while preventing waterlogging. Adding some coarse sand can also enhance drainage.
RepottingAmaryllis 'Bestseller' should be repotted every 3 to 4 years or when it becomes root-bound. The best time for repotting is after the plant has finished flowering and before a new growth cycle begins.
Humidity & MistingAmaryllis 'Bestseller' prefers moderate to high humidity, ideally around 40-50%. Avoid placing the plant in locations where the air is dry, as consistent humidity is important for its health.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and avoid drafts.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade and shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
8-10 USDA
Life cycleThe Amaryllis 'Bestseller' begins its life cycle when a seed germinates in warm, moist soil, developing into a small bulb with roots. As the bulb matures, leaves emerge, photosynthesizing to provide energy for growth. After a period of vegetative growth, the bulb enters a dormant phase where leaves die back and the bulb rests, often prompted by cooler temperatures or dry conditions. Once dormancy is broken, typically by environmental cues such as temperature changes or watering, a flower stalk grows rapidly, culminating in the bloom of showy trumpet-shaped flowers. Following pollination, flowers may produce seed pods, completing the sexual reproductive cycle, although Amaryllis 'Bestseller' is often propagated vegetatively by dividing larger bulbs. Finally, the plant reenters dormancy, preparing the cycle to start anew once conditions become favorable.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular way to propagate an Amaryllis 'Bestseller' is through division of its bulbs. The best time to do this is after the plant has gone through a period of dormancy, once the flowers have died back, typically in late summer or fall. You'll want to gently remove the bulb from the pot and carefully separate any offset bulbs that have formed at the base of the parent bulb. These offsets, often called "pups," should be at least one-third the size of the mother bulb to ensure they have enough energy to grow on their own. Once separated, repot the offsets in well-draining potting mix and water them in. It's important to maintain consistent moisture while the new bulbs establish themselves, but take care not to overwater, as this can lead to rot. With proper care, the offsets will grow and can produce their own flowers within one or two seasons.
