The ‘Apricot Parfait’ Amaryllis is a cherished indoor plant, known for its striking and elegant blooms. Its large, showy flowers add a vibrant touch to any indoor setting, transforming from a simple bulb into a magnificent floral display.
Unique Characteristics
The ‘Apricot Parfait’ Amaryllis distinguishes itself with a captivating color palette and impressive bloom structure. Its large, trumpet-shaped flowers, typically 7-8 inches across, display soft apricot hues with crisp white edges. A deep amber flare emerges from a bright green throat at the center of each blossom. This variety produces two or more sturdy flower stems per bulb, each bearing 4-5 blossoms that fan out into wide trumpets. The petals often have a delicately ruffled texture.
Planting Your Amaryllis Bulb
Planting your ‘Apricot Parfait’ Amaryllis bulb begins with selecting the right container. Choose a pot with drainage holes, only slightly larger than the bulb, allowing one to two inches of space between the bulb and the pot’s sides. A well-draining potting mix, high in organic matter like peat moss, perlite, and sand or loam, is essential for healthy growth. Position the bulb so its top third remains exposed above the soil line. After planting, water sparingly with lukewarm water to settle the soil, then refrain from frequent watering until new growth appears.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
For a thriving ‘Apricot Parfait’ Amaryllis during active growth and blooming, provide bright, indirect light, ideally at least six hours daily. While they appreciate warmth during stem development, cooler temperatures around 65°F (18°C) can prolong bloom life. Avoid placing the plant near cold drafts or direct heat sources.
Watering should be managed carefully to prevent bulb rot. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings, then water thoroughly until it drains from the pot bottom. Avoid letting the pot sit in standing water. Humidity is generally not a major concern; average household levels are usually sufficient. Begin fertilizing once new foliage emerges, using a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer every two to four weeks during the growing season. This supports robust growth and vibrant flowers.
Encouraging Future Blooms
Encouraging reblooming requires guiding your ‘Apricot Parfait’ Amaryllis through its dormant period. After flowers fade, cut spent bloom stalks at their base, but allow foliage to continue growing. During this phase, continue to water and fertilize regularly, allowing leaves to photosynthesize and store energy in the bulb for the next bloom cycle. This active leaf growth typically lasts several months, often through summer.
To induce dormancy, usually in late summer or early fall, gradually reduce watering and cease fertilization. Once foliage yellows and dies back, cut leaves to about two inches from the bulb. Move the potted bulb to a cool, dark location, ideally between 40-50°F (4-10°C), for an eight to twelve-week resting period. Do not water the bulb during this dormancy. After this rest period, move the bulb back to a warm, bright spot and resume watering to initiate a new bloom cycle.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
A lack of blooms often indicates insufficient stored energy in the bulb or an inadequate rest period. Ensure proper feeding and full foliage development before dormancy. Yellowing leaves can signal either overwatering or underwatering; adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Leggy growth, characterized by tall, weak stems, results from insufficient light exposure. Moving the plant to a brighter location can correct this.