How to Grow Hippeastrum Jewel
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Hippeastrum Jewel
Hippeastrum × hybridum 'Jewel'
flowerHippeastrum Jewel is a stunning hybrid amaryllis cultivar known for its large, vibrant red flowers with distinctive white striping or markings. This tender bulb produces tall stems topped with clusters of trumpet-shaped blooms that are prized as indoor houseplants and cut flowers. It is primarily grown as a potted plant and can be forced to bloom indoors during winter or early spring.
When should you plant Hippeastrum Jewel in your zone?
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Example Hippeastrum Jewel timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Hippeastrum Jewel
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Hippeastrum Jewel blooms
Around Apr 23≈ 6 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Hippeastrum Jewel dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 10b-11; grown as houseplant indoors in colder zones
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Dormancy
6-12 weeksBulb is dormant with dried foliage removed or minimal growth visible. Bulb has been cool-treated and is ready for forcing.
Store bulbs in cool (50-60°F), dry location for 6-12 weeks before planting. Inspect for rot or damage. Dust with fungicide if needed.
Sprouting
2-3 weeksLeaf shoots and flower buds emerge from the top of the bulb. First leaves appear within 2-3 weeks of planting.
Water moderately after planting. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide warm temperatures (70-75°F) and bright light to encourage growth.
Growth & Bud Development
3-4 weeksTall flower stems elongate, reaching 16-24 inches. Buds form at stem tips and gradually enlarge. Foliage continues to develop.
Support tall stems with stakes if needed. Maintain bright light and warm temperatures. Water regularly as plant actively grows. Rotate pot weekly for even growth.
Flowering
2-3 weeks per bloom cycleLarge trumpet-shaped red flowers with white striping open, typically 4-6 blooms per stem. Flowers are fragrant and dramatic, 5-6 inches across.
Remove flower stems as blooms fade to encourage rebloom. Keep away from direct heat and drafts to extend bloom life. Do not move plant frequently.
Post-Bloom & Dormancy
6-12 weeksFlowers fade and drop. Foliage continues to grow. Plant gradually dries out naturally as it enters summer dormancy.
Continue watering and fertilizing until foliage yellows naturally. Gradually reduce water frequency. Store bulb in cool, dry place for 6-12 weeks before next forcing cycle.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7-10 days; isolate affected plant
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Remove with cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol; treat with insecticidal soap; repeat weekly as needed
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Manually remove with knife; treat with horticultural oil; apply insecticidal soap biweekly
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Inspect bulbs before planting; discard soft/damaged bulbs; keep soil consistently moist to deter egg-laying
Uses
Not edible
CulinaryHippeastrum is toxic and should never be consumed. All parts of the plant contain compounds that are poisonous if ingested. [source]
Cut flowers and floral arrangements
CraftThe large, vibrant blooms are stunning cut flowers lasting 10-14 days in water. They are popular in wedding bouquets, holiday arrangements, and high-impact indoor displays. [source]
Indoor houseplant and winter forcing
HouseholdHippeastrum Jewel is primarily grown as a potted houseplant, often purchased pre-planted or forced to bloom indoors during winter. It brings dramatic color to homes and offices. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeThe large bright flowers attract hummingbirds and bees in outdoor settings. This makes it valuable for gardens in tropical and subtropical zones. [source]
Traditional plant lore
MedicinalWhile not used in modern medicine, various Hippeastrum species have been used in traditional South American folk medicine. No clinical efficacy has been established. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut flower stems when first buds begin to open for use as cut flowers. Cut stems at an angle with sharp, clean scissors. Change water every 2-3 days and recut stems. Flowers last 1-2 weeks in a vase. Allow some blooms to remain on plant to support future growth.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Hippeastrum Jewel belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family and is often confused with true lilies, though it is unrelated. The genus Hippeastrum is native to Central and South America and has been hybridized extensively since the 1800s.
- 🌱 The name 'Hippeastrum' comes from Greek words meaning 'knight's star,' reflecting the dramatic, star-like appearance of the flowers. The cultivar 'Jewel' was developed through selective breeding to emphasize the distinctive red and white striped coloration.
- 🌱 A single Hippeastrum bulb can produce 2-3 flower stems in a season, with each stem bearing 4-6 large blooms. This makes one potted bulb capable of providing weeks of continuous flowering when properly managed.
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