Amarilyss

[smurfchops]

Just been given one, in a box, says for best results start to grow by end January. Should I leave it in the box and not water it, until then? And if so, and I leave it in the box, where should I store it? Somewhere dark or not? Couple of holes in top of the box.

[rsvp]

I was given one last year smurfchops -began growing it straight away (December) -it was terrific flowers and when the these finished I cut it back to an inch or so above the bulb and have had a second growth of lovely leaves all summer - it's now cut back again and having a sleep in a dark cupboard ready for next year.
I'm not saying this is how you should do it - and I'm sure others more in the know than me will be along shortly - am just saying how I did it.

[Chipchopper]

If you want to start growing it later, say... after Christmas or early in the new year, you should be able to store it ok in a cool, dry, dark, airy place.

[Old_Geezer]

No expert but, "by the end of January", in other words no after the end of January.

In which case December is earlier, and November even earlier, and October earlier again, ..... and March much earlier, and February fine also :-D

October to January looks reasonable.
https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=118

[Old_Geezer]

not after

sigh

[catswhiskas]

Beware of the cat smurfchops the Amarilyss are poisonous.

[hellywelly4]

You can get it potted up now. Water it and put it in an airing cupboard or somewhere warm. It will start to shoot fairly soon, so then bring it out into the light. Water when needed but not too much and you will soon have a wonderful flower. When this has died, cut it off at the base and keep watering and feeding into the early summer. Then leave the leaves to die off, then repot about November next year. I keep mine going for years. If you leave it in the box it will start to shoot in the box and then get deformed if you leave it too long.

[smurfchops]

Thanks catswhiskas, I didn't know that. Well it is out of cat's way and watered. Fingers crossed. I am usually quite lucky with plants but as per my previous thread, my last droopy plant is still drooping and I have given up with it.