Brazilian Amaryllis
hippeastrum correiense
Also known as: ["Brazilian Amaryllis","Amaryllis correiense"]
Overview
A bulbous plant native to Brazil, known for its large, showy flowers and strap-like leaves.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Genus: | Hippeastrum |
| Botanical Name: | Hippeastrum correiense |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: indoor pot or sheltered garden bed in temperate climates
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter (e.g., compost) and perlite or sand for aeration.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; remove dead foliage as needed year-round.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; focus on removing only dead or damaged parts.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon rays, especially in summer.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct light to prevent scorching; for indoor plants, place near east-facing windows; outdoor plants should be shielded from intense midday sun.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; adjust light exposure seasonally.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, avoid waterlogging, and allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a mix of cactus soil and regular potting soil; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots drain well.
Temperature
Ideal range: 60–75°F (15–24°C); prefers cooler temperatures (50–60°F or 10–15°C) during dormancy to encourage blooming.
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from frost; maintain consistent warmth during active growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season
Fertilize only when actively growing; avoid over-fertilizing to prevent salt buildup; flush soil occasionally to remove excess salts.
Propagation
Methods
By bulb division or seed; bulb division is faster and more reliable for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Separate offsets from parent bulb, allow callusing for a day, plant shallowly in well-draining soil, water lightly, and maintain warmth and humidity.
Best Time: After flowering, when bulbs are mature and energy reserves are high (late spring/early summer).
Environment
Warm (65–75°F or 18–24°C), humid (50–60%), and bright indirect light; protect from direct sun until established.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix (e.g., cactus mix with perlite or sand) for bulb division; seedlings require a standard seed-starting mix.
Hormone
Not necessary for bulb division; optional for seeds to encourage germination.
Timeline
Bulb division: roots establish in 2–4 weeks; new growth in 1–2 months; seeds: germination in 4–8 weeks, flowering in 3–5 years.
Tools Needed
Clean knife or shears, pots, well-draining soil, rooting hormone (optional), plastic wrap or propagator for humidity.
Quick Tips
Ensure bulbs have at least one healthy root before planting; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut flower stalks at the base after blooming; trim leaves back to the bulb if they yellow or die.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flowers to encourage bulb energy storage; trim yellow or dead leaves to maintain plant health and aesthetics.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or pruners.
Checklist
Remove spent flowers, trim dead leaves, sanitize tools, avoid cutting healthy growth, dispose of trimmings properly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring, just before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., +2–3 inches in diameter) with drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove the plant, shake off old soil, inspect roots (trim any damaged ones), place in a slightly larger pot with fresh well-draining mix, and water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when bulbs become crowded; necessary to refresh soil and provide space for growth.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot, prepare fresh soil mix, inspect roots, position bulb correctly (top third exposed), water lightly, place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust frequency by season, avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the soil level, ensuring even moisture distribution without wetting foliage; water until excess drains from the pot’s bottom, and ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply when the top inch of soil is dry, typically every 7–10 days during active growth (spring/summer); reduce frequency to every 3–4 weeks in dormancy (fall/winter).
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis (yellowing leaves), bud drop, stunted growth, or mushy stems (overheating) or leaf browning (cold stress).
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and can cause root damage or leaf discoloration; prolonged exposure may lead to dormancy or death.
Solution: Move plant to a warmer location (above 50°F or 10°C); insulate pots in cold climates; avoid placing near drafty windows or cold surfaces.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause wilting, leaf scorch, or premature flower drop; may lead to dehydration and root stress.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase humidity, water more frequently, and ensure good air circulation to prevent overheating.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer, apply during growing season, avoid dormant period, flush soil periodically, monitor for salt buildup.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10) diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer; cease fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are highly sensitive to the toxic alkaloids in Hippeastrum correiense. Ingestion can result in severe gastrointestinal upset and neurological disturbances, requiring immediate veterinary intervention.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Hippeastrum correiense can lead to severe gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms due to the presence of toxic alkaloids. These compounds disrupt normal bodily functions and can cause significant distress.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicHippeastrum correiense contains toxic alkaloids that can cause significant physiological distress when ingested. The toxins interfere with the nervous system and gastrointestinal tract, leading to discomfort and potential systemic effects.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Hippeastrum correiense toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: How often should I water Hippeastrum correiense?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Q: Does Hippeastrum correiense require full sun?
A: It thrives in partial shade to full sun, but protection from intense afternoon sun is recommended.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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