Amaryllis Hippeastrum 'Star of Holland'
ABOUT
The 'Star of Holland' is an ornamental flowering plant known for its striking trumpet-shaped flowers. These blooms exhibit a brilliant red color with white stripes that run along the length of each petal, giving it a particularly bold and star-like appearance, hence the name. The flowers are large and showy, drawing attention with their vibrant hues. This plant features a cluster of dark green, strap-shaped leaves emerging from a bulb at the base. These leaves provide a lush backdrop that contrasts beautifully with the bright flowers. When in bloom, the 'Star of Holland' showcases its flowers in a dramatic display atop a sturdy, erect stem that stands out against the foliage below. Due to its aesthetic appeal, it is commonly appreciated as a decorative indoor plant, often adorning living spaces during blooming periods with its colorful and eye-catching flowers. Its traditional use as a potted plant for festive occasions is primarily because of its attractive and cheerful flowers that symbolize celebration and joy.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Amaryllis, Star of Holland
Common names
Hippeastrum 'Star of Holland'.
ToxicityTo humans
Amaryllis, commonly known as Amaryllis, can be toxic to humans if ingested. The plant contains alkaloids like lycorine and other potentially poisonous compounds that can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, ingestion may lead to more serious effects like hypotension or respiratory depression. Handling the plant may cause skin irritation for sensitive individuals. It is important to keep Amaryllis out of reach from children and to avoid consuming any part of the plant.
To pets
Amaryllis is toxic to pets, such as dogs and cats. Ingestion of any part of the plant, especially the bulbs, can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hypersalivation, and tremors. In severe cases, it may cause depression, anorexia, and tremors. Immediate veterinary care should be sought if a pet ingests any part of an Amaryllis plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
South America
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds a vibrant splash of color to indoor or outdoor spaces with its striking red flowers.
- Mood Enhancement: The beauty of its blooms can improve mood and create a pleasing visual environment.
- Easy to Grow: Known for being relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal maintenance.
- Long Blooming Period: Has a long flowering period, providing enjoyment for several weeks.
- Gift Potential: Makes a thoughtful gift for gardeners or plant enthusiasts due to its showy nature.
- Container Gardening: Suitable for pot cultivation, making it ideal for balconies, patios, or indoor gardening.
- Decorative Versatility: Can be used as a statement piece in floral arrangements or as a potted centerpiece.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography subject: With its beautiful, large red and white flowers, the Amaryllis 'Star of Holland' is commonly used as a subject for photographers, particularly those specializing in botanical photography, to capture its striking appearance.
- Art inspiration: The distinct look of the Amaryllis 'Star of Holland' inspires artists and illustrators to include its likeness in paintings, drawings, and other artistic works.
- Educational tool: Botany educators can utilize live specimens or images of the Amaryllis 'Star of Holland' to teach about plant anatomy, particularly bulb growth and flower development.
- Holiday decoration: Its festive red and white colors make the Amaryllis 'Star of Holland' an ideal decorative plant for Christmas and other holiday displays.
- Gift plant: Its attractive appearance and bloom around the winter holidays make the Amaryllis 'Star of Holland' a popular gift item during that season.
- Theme gardens: Garden designers use Amaryllis 'Star of Holland' to create color-themed garden displays, especially those that showcase vibrant contrasting hues.
- Competitions: Horticultural enthusiasts often grow the Amaryllis 'Star of Holland' for display in garden and flower competitions, prized for its striking coloration and size.
- Flower arranging: Cut flowers of the Amaryllis 'Star of Holland' are used in floral arrangements due to their long-lasting blooms and dramatic presence in bouquets.
- Wedding decor: The Amaryllis 'Star of Holland' is selected for wedding decorations and bridal bouquets because of its large, showy flowers and its association with the meanings of pride and enchanting beauty.
- Symbolism: The Amaryllis 'Star of Holland' can be used to symbolize strength and determination due to the plant's hardiness and the effort it takes to bloom.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiAmaryllis, commonly associated with the Hippeastrum 'Star of Holland', can be used in Feng Shui to promote positive chi and create a welcoming atmosphere in the home. It is often recommended to place an amaryllis in areas where you wish to encourage growth and vibrant energy, such as the living room, to attract prosperity and good fortune. The bright red of the 'Star of Holland' amaryllis can also be used to energize and activate the Fame and Reputation area of the Bagua map.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Amaryllis is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Pride: With its striking, large blooms that stand tall on sturdy stalks, the Amaryllis, commonly known for the cultivar 'Star of Holland', is often associated with pride due to its majestic and proud appearance.
- Strength: The Amaryllis represents strength and determination as it is able to bloom indoors during the winter months, which is a time when most other plants are dormant.
- Beauty: Its elegant shape and vibrant red color make the Amaryllis a symbol of stunning beauty and splendid appearance.
- Resilience: The Amaryllis bulb can survive harsh conditions and bloom again, symbolizing resilience and the ability to overcome challenges and adversity.
- Affection: Giving an Amaryllis is a gesture of affection, representing the giver's deep admiration for the recipient's beauty and strength.
WaterTo properly water Amaryllis 'Star of Holland', it should be watered thoroughly until water runs out of the bottom of the pot, ensuring the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged. During active growth, especially in the spring and summer, it typically needs watering about once a week or when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Reduce watering after the flowers have faded and the plant enters a dormant period, which might mean watering as infrequently as every three to four weeks. When watering, avoid wetting the foliage or crown of the plant as this can promote fungal diseases. A general guideline is to provide this Amaryllis with approximately 16 to 24 onzes of water during each watering session, adjusting based on the size of the pot and the plant's growth stage.
LightAmaryllis 'Star of Holland' flourishes in bright, indirect sunlight, which promotes vigorous growth and the development of its striking blooms. A south-facing window with a sheer curtain to diffuse direct sunlight, or an east or west-facing window with several hours of gentle morning or afternoon sun, is ideal. This Amaryllis should not be exposed to the harsh midday sun as it can scorch the leaves.
TemperatureThe ideal temperature for Amaryllis 'Star of Holland' ranges from 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and slightly cooler at night, not falling below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. This Amaryllis can tolerate temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 80 degrees Fahrenheit, but extreme temperatures outside this range can be harmful.
PruningAmaryllis 'Star of Holland' requires minimal pruning, which is primarily focused on removing spent flower stalks after blooming to redirect energy back into the bulb for future growth and blooms. Also, trim away any yellow or dead leaves as needed. The best time to prune is right after the flowers have faded.
CleaningAs needed
SoilAmaryllis 'Star of Holland' thrives best in a well-draining soil mix with good aeration, consisting of two parts loam, one part perlite or sand, and one part peat or a peat substitute. The ideal soil pH for Amaryllis is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingAmaryllis 'Star of Holland' should be repotted every 3 to 4 years, or when the bulb outgrows the pot. It's best to repot after the flowering cycle when the plant is in its dormant phase.
Humidity & MistingAmaryllis 'Star of Holland' prefers average indoor humidity levels, around 40-50%. Avoid placing it in overly dry or excessively humid environments for optimal health.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and avoid drafts or heat sources.
Outdoor
Plant after frost; choose a spot with bright, indirect sunlight.
Hardiness zone
8-10 USDA
Life cycleThe life of an Amaryllis 'Star of Holland' begins with a bulb planted in well-draining soil, which, after a period of dormancy, sprouts a green shoot. The shoot grows rapidly, developing long, strap-shaped leaves, and eventually, a tall flower stalk emerges, which will bear the striking red and white star-patterned blossoms for which the plant is named. After flowering, the plant directs energy back into the bulb as the leaves photosynthesize, allowing it to store nutrients for the next growth cycle. Once the blooms fade, the plant gradually enters a dormant stage, where watering is reduced and the foliage dies back. During dormancy, the bulb rests for a period, typically a few months, before environmental cues like temperature and moisture prompt the commencement of a new growth cycle. This cycle of growth, blooming, and dormancy repeats annually, with proper care ensuring bulb vitality for future flowering.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating the Hippeastrum 'Star of Holland', commonly known as Amaryllis, is through offsets, or "daughter bulbs,” which are produced from the base of the parent bulb. This typically happens after the flowering season when the plant is dormant, usually from late summer to fall. To propagate, gently separate the offsets from the mother bulb once they have a considerable size, usually around a third of the size of the parent bulb. After separation, the offset can be planted in well-draining soil to a depth where the top third of the bulb is above the soil level. Ensure the potting medium is kept moist but not waterlogged, and provide bright, indirect light. The new bulbs will usually flower in one to two years, developing their root systems and foliage in the meantime.
