Amaryllis ‘Mandela’ is a popular cultivar, cherished for its striking beauty. It produces large, trumpet-shaped blooms, making it a favored indoor plant, especially during cooler months.
Distinguishing Features
Amaryllis ‘Mandela’ is known for its deep, velvety red blooms, often with a luminous green throat. These flowers can appear maroon, becoming a smoldering red in winter sun, making them one of the darkest red amaryllis varieties. Each bulb typically produces two to three thick stalks, yielding four to six large flowers, often 4 to 10 inches in diameter. It blooms relatively quickly, often within 4 to 6 weeks after planting, and can flower from December through March.
Cultivating Your Amaryllis ‘Mandela’
Light Requirements
Amaryllis ‘Mandela’ thrives in bright, indirect light. Place it near a window for morning sun followed by indirect light. Insufficient light can cause pale foliage and hinder blooming. Consistent light promotes strong stalks and vibrant flowers.
Watering Practices
Initial watering should be minimal, only lightly moistening the soil after planting, and then sparingly until a sprout noticeably emerges from the bulb. Once growth becomes apparent, water only when the top 1 to 2 inches of the soil feel dry to the touch. Avoid letting the pot sit in standing water. Allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings is important for bulb health.
Soil and Potting
Amaryllis ‘Mandela’ needs a well-draining, fertile soil mix (pH 6.0-7.5). Sandy soil helps prevent bulb damage. When potting, expose about one-third of the bulb above the soil line. The pot should be about 1 inch wider than the bulb’s diameter and twice its height for root development.
Temperature and Humidity
For optimal growth, maintain temperatures between 70-77°F (21-25°C), with 72°F (22°C) being ideal. Average household humidity is sufficient during active growth. Once blooming, move the plant to a cooler room (55-60°F / 13-16°C) to extend flower lifespan.
Fertilization
Once leaves emerge and growth begins, fertilize with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Feed once per month through the blooming period, or use a half-strength solution every two to three weeks. Cease fertilization around August to prepare for dormancy. A higher phosphorus content can support more prolific blooming.
Ensuring Future Blooms
After your Amaryllis ‘Mandela’ has finished its bloom cycle, it is important to initiate proper post-bloom care to encourage re-flowering. Carefully cut off the spent flower stalks near the base of the plant, but leave the healthy foliage intact. The leaves are crucial for photosynthesis, allowing the plant to replenish energy reserves within the bulb, vital for next year’s blooms. Continue to provide regular watering and fertilization during this period of active foliage growth.
To prepare for future blooms, induce dormancy. In late summer (August or September), gradually reduce and cease watering and fertilization. Move the potted bulb to a cool, dark, dry location (50-60°F / 10-16°C) for 8 to 12 weeks. Foliage will yellow and die back, signaling the bulb’s resting phase; trim withered leaves.
After dormancy (two to five months), the bulb is ready for a new growth cycle. Bring the plant out of storage and repot in fresh soil if needed, ensuring the top third of the bulb is exposed. Water thoroughly once to signal dormancy’s end, then place in a warm spot with bright, indirect light. Within four to six weeks, new leaves and flower stalks will emerge; resume regular watering and feeding.
Addressing Common Challenges
If your Amaryllis ‘Mandela’ fails to bloom, common causes include insufficient light, lack of proper dormancy, or inadequate fertilization. Provide bright, indirect light, a cool, dark rest phase, and appropriate fertilization during active growth to encourage blooming.
Yellowing leaves often indicate overwatering. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry before rewatering. Yellowing can also be a natural sign of dormancy. Rarely, nutrient deficiencies can cause discoloration, addressed with balanced fertilization.
Pests like mealybugs, spider mites, or aphids can affect Amaryllis ‘Mandela’. Manage these by wiping them off with a damp cloth or using insecticidal soap. Fungal issues like red blotch (reddish-brown spots) or botrytis blight may occur, often due to excessive moisture or poor air circulation.
A significant concern for Amaryllis bulbs is rotting, almost always a result of overwatering and poor drainage. To prevent this, ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes and use a well-draining potting mix. Always allow the soil to dry sufficiently between waterings to avoid soggy conditions that compromise bulb health.