After a long summer, October brings in the cool weather, falling leaves and Halloween. The month of November is almost a prelude to Christmas. However, December is the real holiday season when red pandas and reindeer are out in full force. There’s something magical about that time of year where the world comes together to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Greenhouses and indoor gardens go into overdrive to accommodate all types of plants for buyers looking for something special as gifts or centerpieces on their dining tables. One such plant that has caught on as an iconic symbol of Christmas is the amaryllis. Read on to know more about this gorgeous flower!
What is an Amaryllis?
The Amaryllis is a tropical plant from the genus Hippeastrum. It is a bulbous plant that can grow up to 4 feet tall. The most common species grown for commercial or ornamental purpose are Hippeastrum vernus and Hippeastrum painting. It has huge, colourful flowers with a strong fragrance, which makes it a popular houseplant. The flowers of the amaryllis are one of the most beautiful and eye-catching of all flowers. They are known to come in a wide range of colours, from pink to red to orange, yellow, and even white. Amaryllis flowers are large and showy and make wonderful decorations for weddings and other special occasions. Amaryllis bulbs can be planted in the spring or fall, and they flower in the fall. When the flowers fade, the bulbs go into dormancy until the following spring. This makes the bulbs an excellent choice for indoor growing.
Why do we Celebrate Christmas with Amaryllis?
Amaryllis flowers are definitely out of the ordinary. But the Christmas bulb has become so intertwined with the popular holiday that we often forget it was originally celebrated as New Year’s flower. The story of how the amaryllis became associated with Christmas began in Victorian times. At the time, the flower was a rare and exotic plant that was only available to the super rich. It was often given as a Christmas present by those who could afford it. The amaryllis is native to South America, so it only made sense to give it a festive name related to travel. Unfortunately, the flower is also nicknamed “naked ladies” because it has no leaves. So it was easy to imagine that the amaryllis was a group of travelers who had lost their way in the snow. The real reason behind the amaryllis’ popularity at Christmas time is slightly different. Christmas Amaryllis
Benefits of Having an Amaryllis Plant During the Holiday Seasons
– Comfort: Amaryllis plants are very comforting. Having it around reminds you of being tucked in a blanket on a cold winter’s day. – Celebration: The amaryllis flower is a symbol of celebration and festivity. – Colour: This flower is available in stunning red, pink, orange, and yellow shades. – Companion: This flower is a perfect companion for the winter season. It blooms during the month of December, when the weather is cold and dry. – Easy to Care: This is one of the easiest plants to care for indoors. – Exotic: Amaryllis is an exotic plant that can be grown as a houseplant. – Festivity: This flower is perfect for festive occasions like Christmas, New Year, and weddings. – Fragrance: The flower of the amaryllis is highly fragrant and lasts for a long time. – History: The amaryllis has a long history and was traditionally associated with the New Year. – Symbolism: The amaryllis symbolizes celebration, brightness, cheerfulness, and warmth.
How to Grow an Amaryllis?
Growing an amaryllis is simple. You just need to buy a healthy bulb with roots and store it in a dark and dry place. You can also keep them in the fridge, but make sure to take them out before the temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. When the weather is warm, plant the bulb in a pot with a mix of soil and sand. Water it regularly and keep the pot in a sunny spot. When the flowers have faded away, cut the stalk and store the bulb in a cool and dry place. You can also cut the stalk and keep it in a pot with soil. It will sprout in the spring and bloom again.
Tips on Celebrating Christmas with an Amaryllis Plant
– Choose Healthy Bulbs: When buying an amaryllis bulb, make sure to select a healthy bulb. You can do this by searching for a bulb with firm roots and a healthy green colour. – Choose a Proper Pot: When planting the bulb, make sure to select a pot that is deep enough to hold the bulb. The bulb should be buried about two-thirds in the soil. – Keep the Pot in a Sunny Spot: Place the pot in a sunny spot and keep the soil moist. – Keep the Pot in a Warm Place: The bulb will sprout when the weather is warm. – Enjoy the Stunning Flowers: When the plant blooms, enjoy its stunning flowers while they last. – Store the Bulb in a Cool, Dry Place: After the flower has wilted away, store the bulb in a cool, dry place. – Use the Bulb Again Next Year: Store the bulb in a cool, dry place until the weather is warm again.
Conclusion
The amaryllis is a beautiful flower that can be enjoyed all year round. You can use it as a centerpiece for your dining table, or you can give it to someone special this Christmas. This flower is sure to brighten up any room and put everyone in the holiday spirit. If you want to add a little extra Christmas cheer, an amaryllis is the perfect choice. They come in a variety of colours and can be grown indoors or outdoors meaning they are suitable for anyone!
This article is provided by https://www.bomagardencentre.co.uk/christmas-trees-gifts-christmas-plants-flowers