In the middle of November, I purchased some of those oh-so-popular amaryllis boxes that include potting material, a bulb and a pot. I thought it would be fun for the kids to plant to give to their mothers at Christmas time.
But, when my granddaughter, Rowan, and I opened one of the boxes and unwrapped the bulb, it had already tried to sprout. Unfortunately, the wrapping had kept it curled onto itself. If there ever was a plant in the fetal position, this was it.
I have to admit, it looked kind of deformed and sickly as it was almost completely white. I almost suggested that we just compost it and go get another but then I thought, oh why not. This little guy seemed determined to grow. Let’s just see what happens so with a wish and a prayer, we potted up the poor little thing, give it a drink and set it in the sunshine.
Rowan and I decided that I should keep the bulbs at my house so as to surprise her Mom at Christmas. I also thought, to myself, and when this baby dies, I can just toss it. But, I didn’t say that to Rowan.
That was on November 20. TWO days later, the stem was beginning to straighten and turn green. And, on November 23, a mere 3 days after planting, the stem was almost entirely straight. I was excited and couldn’t wait to share this miracle with Rowan.
By December 3, we had a nice fat bud and by Dec. 11th, only three weeks after planting, it was in full bloom. It generally takes an amaryllis bulb 6 – 8 weeks to bloom after being planted.
You may not be as in awe of this entire process as Rowan and I were but you’ll have to admit that there is something completely miraculous about any living thing wanting to grow and bloom so badly that it bursts the binds that hold it back. All that this little bulb wanted was a chance to grow.
As we end this year, I can’t help but think that this bulb is a great illustration of where we’ve been and where we’re going. 2020 has been hard, but give us a new start, a little water and sunshine in 2021 and WATCH US BLOOM.
Merry Christmas to you all and have a blooming good New Year!!!!
I love your amaryllis story with Rowan. I still have an amaryllis that you gifted me years ago in Hood River. It always puts out healthy looking green leaves but it doesn’t bloom every year. Maybe it’s in need of a re-potting. Any ideas?
Dave, so glad your amaryllis has survived all these years. Like all of us, the amaryllis has its own special life cycle. And, like all of us, needs periods of rest (ahem…..you can’t just go and go and go without resting. Do I sound like a mother?) So, in mid-August, quit watering and let the leaves die back. Store the bulb in a cool, dry place and let it rest. 6 – 8 weeks before you want it to bloom, repot it and put it in the sunshine and resume watering. Then, your plant should bloom again. They say that… Read more »
Beautiful story and message! Merry Christmas to you and yours.