Hippeastrum Bulbs, Seeds, Species, Care and Growing Information

The large flowers of the hybrid hippeastrum (up to 25cm) come in a range of colors from bold reds through to soft pastel yellows generally appear in spring. If you are considering buying species look for H. papilio as mentioned as well as H. reticulatum an interesting species. while H. Yungasensis, H. aglaiae and H. stylosum are others worth looking for. Bulbs and seeds are available for sale as cultivars or species and are a relatively easy bulb to grow that will cope with full sun or part shade and can be grown indoors in a well lit position.

Hippeastrum Bulbs Care and Growing Hints

Hippeastrum bulbs prefer a well drained and well mulched soil. Bulbs need to be planted with the neck of the bulb above the soil. They are not really fussy bulb and often seem to thrive on neglect. Drainage is however important and hippies tend to like to be a little 'crowded' so do not over pot.

Indirect sunlight or shade is best, bulbs being great for growing in pots indoors. Water well during the growing period. Watch out for pest such as snails and slugs.

Hippeastrum bulbs seem to like a little stress to improve flowering, try keeping them outside in the cold during winter, preferably in a dry position.

Pests and Diseases

Generally these are a fairly easy to care for bulb, snails and mealybugs are the two main problems but these can be easily fixed with solutions from most good nurseries.