Amaryllis ‘Marquis’ is a captivating flowering bulb, bringing sophisticated beauty to any indoor setting. It is a favored choice for home gardeners seeking vibrant winter color.
Distinctive Features of Amaryllis ‘Marquis’
Amaryllis ‘Marquis’ features double white blooms, often with a subtle hint of green in the throat. These flowers measure 4 to 8 inches across. Each bulb sends up multiple flower stalks, reaching 18 to 22 inches, with several flowers per stalk. Blooms appear 6-8 weeks after planting.
Planting Your Amaryllis ‘Marquis’
Select a pot with drainage holes, slightly larger than the bulb, leaving 1-2 inches of space around its sides. A heavy container prevents tipping when flower stalks emerge.
Fill the pot halfway with a well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter. Position the bulb with its roots on the soil, ensuring one-third to one-half of the bulb remains visible above the soil line. Firm the potting medium around the bulb. After planting, water sparingly to moisten the soil.
Daily Care for Amaryllis ‘Marquis’
Amaryllis ‘Marquis’ thrives in bright, indirect light, receiving 6-8 hours daily. Place it near a sunny window, but avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn. Rotate the pot regularly for even light exposure and straight flower stalk growth.
Water carefully to avoid over or underwatering. Allow the top inch or two of potting mix to dry before watering. Do not let water collect around the bulb’s neck to prevent rot. Maintain temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C) for optimal growth.
Begin fertilizing your Amaryllis once new growth appears. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer (e.g., 5-5-5 or 5-10-10 blend), diluted to half-strength, every two to four weeks during the active growing period. If flower stalks become too tall or heavy with blooms, provide support with a sturdy stake.
Ensuring Future Blooms
To encourage reblooming, provide specific post-flowering care and a dormancy period. After flowers fade, cut off spent blooms to prevent seed formation, which depletes the bulb’s energy. Leave the flower stalk intact until it yellows, as it stores energy for future growth.
Continue watering and fertilizing through summer, treating it like a houseplant. In late summer or early fall, gradually prepare the bulb for dormancy by reducing watering and ceasing fertilization. Once leaves yellow and wither, cut them back to about 2 inches from the bulb.
Move the potted bulb to a cool, dark, dry location (e.g., basement or closet) with temperatures around 50-60°F (10-15°C) for 6 to 12 weeks. Do not water during dormancy. After this resting period, repot the bulb in fresh soil and return it to a warm, bright location, resuming sparse watering until new growth emerges.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Amaryllis ‘Marquis’ may encounter common issues with straightforward solutions.
No Bloom
Failure to bloom can be due to insufficient light during growth or an inadequate dormancy period. Ensure proper light exposure and adhere to the recommended resting cycle.
Leggy Growth
Tall, weak flower stalks indicate insufficient light. Move the plant to a brighter location and rotate it regularly for sturdier growth.
Yellowing Leaves
This can result from overwatering, nutrient deficiency, or underwatering. Check soil moisture before watering and maintain a consistent fertilization schedule.
Pests
Mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites can affect Amaryllis. Early detection and treatment with insecticidal soap or neem oil can manage infestations.