Amaryllis ‘Glee’ is a popular indoor plant known for its large blooms. This variety features snowy white petals with ruby-red stripes and stippling, often complemented by a green throat. Its 7-8 inch flowers emerge on sturdy stems, adding color to indoor spaces, especially during colder months. The plant typically reaches 18-22 inches tall and thrives with straightforward care.
Planting Your Glee Amaryllis Bulb
Select a firm ‘Glee’ Amaryllis bulb. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the bulb, with one to two inches of space around its perimeter. The pot must have drainage holes at the bottom.
Fill the pot with a well-draining potting mix, preventing waterlogging. Position the bulb so one-third to one-half remains exposed above the soil line. Water thoroughly after planting, allowing excess water to drain, then refrain from watering until new growth appears, usually within 2-8 weeks.
Ongoing Care for Glee Amaryllis
Once ‘Glee’ Amaryllis sprouts, place the pot in bright, indirect light, such as near a south-facing window. Rotate the pot periodically to help flower stalks grow straight and prevent leaning. An ideal temperature for active growth and blooming is 60-75°F (15-24°C), with warmer temperatures encouraging faster sprouting.
Water consistently once growth is evident, keeping the soil evenly moist. Allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings, avoiding pouring water directly onto the bulb’s neck. Fertilize with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer every two to four weeks after the flower stalk appears and through blooming. General household humidity levels are usually sufficient.
Encouraging Glee Amaryllis to Rebloom
After blooming, cut spent flower stalks about an inch above the bulb, but allow foliage to remain. Continue to water and fertilize the plant throughout spring and summer; this allows the bulb to store energy for future blooms. Placing the plant outdoors in a partially shaded location after frost can also help rejuvenate the bulb.
Around August or September, gradually reduce watering and stop fertilizing to initiate dormancy. Allow leaves to naturally yellow and die back, indicating the bulb’s resting phase. Once foliage has withered, cut it off and store the bulb in a cool, dark, dry place at 50-55°F (10-13°C) for 8 to 10 weeks. After dormancy, repot or refresh the soil, then resume watering and warmth to encourage a new bloom cycle.
Troubleshooting Common Glee Amaryllis Problems
If ‘Glee’ Amaryllis fails to bloom, it may be due to insufficient light during active growth or lack of proper dormancy. Ensuring bright, indirect light and adhering to the cool, dry resting phase can stimulate flowering. Leggy growth, where the flower stalk is stretched and weak, indicates inadequate light; move the plant to a brighter location to prevent this.
Yellowing leaves, especially during the active growth phase, could signal overwatering or poor drainage, leading to root rot. Adjusting your watering schedule to allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings and ensuring the pot has drainage holes helps address this. Common pests like mealybugs or spider mites may occasionally appear; these can be managed by wiping them off with a damp cloth or using an insecticidal soap. Red blotch, a fungal disease, appears as red spots or streaks on the bulb, leaves, or flower stalk; improving air circulation and avoiding overwatering can help prevent its spread.