Amaryllis
The amaryllis originated in South America's tropical regions. Known botanically as Hippeastrum, from the Greek “hippos” which means horse, for its huge flower. Members of the Amaryllidaceae family, amaryllis are at home in the tropics. Hence, Indian weather is ideally suited for their growth.
No other bulb can be brought into bloom as easily as the Amaryllis and this can even take place entirely indoors. These handsome, bold plants have large, showy, lily like flowers 4 to 6 inches across with long strap-shaped leaves, which usually appear after the flowers, growing directly from the bulb. Clusters of two to six, colorful, trumpet-shaped flowers crown a tall, stately stalk, 1 to 2 feet in height.
Supply of Bulbs and Flower stems
Amaryllis at Jambulne
Once the forest canopy was nurtured back to health, we felt the need not only give it protection on a self sustaining basis, but to find a way to incentivize the local farmers particularly the neighboring Adivasis [tribals] to protect the forest themselves. We decided to Breed [by cross pollination] & cultivate [in narrow 4’ wide plots] following the natural contours of the land & trees, the bulbous flowering plant - Amaryllis.
The reasons for this choice were manifold:
[a] Ideal climatic zone.
[b] As the plants require summer shade, the Forest canopy acts as a natural Greenhouse [Trees are lightly pruned post monsoon to permit sunlight to permeate & allow the leaves to grow back by summer providing the necessary shade]. Without the Forest canopy shade the plants will not succeed.
[c] It has a natural Dormancy cycle – March to May when water is not available for irrigation.
[d] Highly Pest & Disease resistant.
[e] Excellent plant to prevent soil erosion due to its thick ropelike roots & clumping nature.
[f] Low inputs & technology for cultivation.
[g] One of the most successful cut flower & flowering bulb in the developed world.
We now have more than 700,000 Amaryllis bulbs in various stages of growth. Once this technology is established, we hope to extend it to the neighboring areas, so that the villagers can improve their livelihoods, without damaging the environment.
In 2009 we plan to propagate, our own choice strains, through Tissue culture. Besides Amaryllis we also have a dedicated area for growing Haemanthus bulbs.
Supply of Bulbs and Flower stems 
Amaryllis bulbs [ready to bloom] are available for bulk supplies annually from February to September. These are Hybrid Amaryllis, specially treated and grown – Guaranteed to bloom.
Flower stems [min 12 inches in length] are also available in June and July.
Please feel free to contact us for your needs.
Growing Amaryllis
Placement / Water
Place the pot in a partly sunny spot since heat is necessary for the development of the stems and check on it everyday. Initially, water only from the edge of the pot and not more than once a week till the flower head or leaves reach 2” in height. Later, water only when the top half inch of soil feels dry to the touch. At this point the stem will grow rapidly and once it has reached full growth flowers will start to develop. It will bloom within 2 - 4 weeks. At this stage move the pot to a cool spot within the house away from direct light. This will both prolong flowering and bring out the brilliant colours of the amaryllis. Turn the pots around 180 degrees everyday to prevent the flower stem from leaning towards an available light source. Amaryllis can grow an inch in a day, that's why they are so much fun for children and amateur gardeners.
Cut the wilted flowers from the stem after flowering. This prevents seed formation, which diverts food from the bulb itself. When the stem starts to sag, cut it back to 1” from the base. While doing so, ensure the pot is not over furniture or fabric as the stems will be water-filled. The production of flowers reduces the size of the bulbs greatly, therefore press the soil around them as they shrink.
Post Bloom Care
After the foliage emerges; the plant should be watered regularly and placed in a well ventilated window or balcony where they get a couple of hours of sunlight every day. Their dark green strap-shaped leaves, each up to 2 feet long, make them attractive house plants. Continue to water and start bi-monthly feeding with any commercially available liquid fertilizer, doing this until the leaves begin to show some yellow [after 8 to 9 months of growth]. Take care not to over water as the bulb will rot. By now the bulb should have increased in diameter and preferably split its earlier skin.
Stop watering - place the pot in any dark & cool corner of the house [even under the bed]. Do not cut or damage the leaves but let them die naturally.
Re – flowering
With proper post bloom care, an Amaryllis can be made to flower again. After about 2 to 3 months of dormancy, new growth will appear. At this time it is advisable to gently remove and replenish the top 1 inch of potting mixture. Take care not to disturb the roots or damage the new shoot. Place the pot in a warm, partly sunny position and continue watering and fertilizing as before. An amaryllis bulb may need repotting only every 3 or 4 years as the bulb increases in diameter and give offsets, but a slightly "pot-bound" amaryllis will do well, as long as it is adequately fed.
Taken proper care, an Amaryllis bulb with a life span of 35 years, can give even an amateur years and years of continued pleasure.
