Both Are True ..
In the gardening world, every plant has its own story .. And my Amaryllis is no exception. Back on May 14th, 2022, I was eagerly anticipating the bloom of my Amaryllis, believing it was on the brink of revealing its vibrant red colors. Little did I know that my excitement would soon be replaced with disappointment. Life is sometimes like that, and "They" often say that where there is darkness comes light.. or maybe it was where there is light there soon will be darkness. Awe Heck, I don't know. The latter doesn't sound quite right, but it was more accurate at the time.
The Unfolding Drama ..
After patiently waiting for about 80 days .. My Amaryllis didn't bloom as expected. Instead, it took a rather dramatic tumble from its pot, leaving me puzzled. I couldn't help but wonder if the pot size had played a role in this botanical catastrophe. It turns out, my dear Amaryllis prefers a cozy pot, contrary to the spacious abode I had provided. Oops – lesson learned.
Amidst my gardening woes .. My mother shared a nugget of wisdom – Amaryllis plants thrive in tight pots. It was a lightbulb moment, realizing my oversight. It's amazing how a simple piece of advice can make a world of difference in the life of a plant. Unfortunately that advice was realized a little too late and after the fact. I did try my best to revive the poor girl, standing her up straight, and firming up the soil around the base of the bulb. All of those efforts failed and soon she began to shrink and wither away back to near death.
Fast forward to April 2023 .. And my thoughts wandered back to that ill-fated Amaryllis. Recalling my attempt to induce hibernation by stashing it back in the basement, doubts crept in. Did I accidentally bid farewell to my botanical companion? A thorough search ensued, and to my relief, I stumbled upon the neglected bulb during a summer basement cleanup in August.
A Fresh Start ..
Although I didn't manage to replant the rediscovered bulb .. Fate smiled upon me during a routine grocery store visit a few weeks ago. There, I encountered a new Amaryllis beckoning me with its discounted price tag of $3.95. Home it came, and since then, it has graced my living space with its enchanting blooms.
The Blooming Finale .. It didn't take long at all for the bloom stem to rise high and open itself up into 4 magnificent, red flowers. While not as fiery red as its predecessor, this budget-friendly Amaryllis brings a touch of elegance to the corner of my home where sunlight bathes the room through the sliding glass door. Its blossoms, a cheerful greeting to the holiday season, add a delightful charm to the congregation of houseplants in that sunny nook.
Below is the other Amaryllis. Photos taken in 2021 when it bloomed last, and a year before it fell over and dried up. You can see it is a different genetic cultivar. Flowers are a little bit different as well as the color.
Second Chances ..
The journey of my Amaryllis has been a rollercoaster .. From the basement blues to the blooming beauty that now adorns my living space. As I revel in the joy it brings, I can't help but think about the forgotten bulb in the basement. Perhaps this April, I'll revisit the good old times of planting and nurturing, giving it a chance to bloom and brighten my home just like its successor. After all, every plant deserves a second chance to flourish.
Basement Blues To Blooms So Sweet
A Haiku Poem By BDMiller
May's pot gleams with hope,
Amaryllis dreams unfold,
Blooms whisper, tales told.
Pepper guarding the Amaryllis, given to us by my mother, carefully packed for the long trip home.