Family
Hippeastrum is a member of the Amaryllidaceae family.
Varieties
Hippeastrum has recently been subdivided into 9 cultivar groups:
Group 1: Galaxy Group
Group 2: Diamond Group
Group 3: Colibri Group
Group 4: Double Galaxy Group
Group 5: Double Diamond Group
Group 6: Double Colibri Group
Group 7: Spider Group
Group 8: Butterfly Group
Group 9: Trumpet Group.
Superstar has been assigned to the Galaxy Group.
Tips for care
During storage and transport:
Store the flower dry in the packaging in which it has been supplied.
Repackaging the flowers is not advisable.
Unlike other bulbous flowers Hippeastrum do not open quickly.
The ideal storage temperature is 41 to 50°F. Storage at lower temperatures can lead to a discoloration in the red varieties.
Move boxes gently and do not turn boxes on their sides!
In the shop:
Store the flower stems dry or place in fresh water. Cut flower food is not necessary.
Unlike other bulbous flowers Hippeastrum do not open quickly. It generally takes several days for the flowers to open. Take this into account when using in flower arrangements, etc.
When Hippeastrum has been standing in water the base of the stem will turn red and start to curl back. This has no ill effects on the ability of the flower to hydrate properly.
When using Hippeastrum at an angle it is advisable to insert a stick into the stem to prevent it from bending. It normally takes 10 to 14 days before any symptoms of bending start to occur.
In the home:
Cut the stems at an angle and place in fresh water. It is advisable to cut off a small piece of the stem every two days to ensure maximum vase life.
Moving the flowers into a different vase or replacing the water in the vase will not impair their vase life.
Do not forget that the hollow stems of Hippeastrum are filled with water. Drain them above the vase before removing from the vase.
When using Hippeastrum at an angle it is advisable to insert a stick into the stem to prevent it from bending. It normally takes 10 to 14 days before any symptoms of bending start to occur. Ensure there is plenty of space above the flower (7 ½ inch) to accommodate any additional growth.
Hippeastrum does not need cut flower food but it can tolerate it.
Remove dead blooms as they will decrease the ornamental value.
Explanation of the name
Hippeastrum literally means ‘knight’s star’ (hippeus = rider/knight; astron = star). The name refers to the star shaped flowers of the original varieties.
Symbolism
Hippeastrum stands for pride and bewitching beauty.
Most popular colors of Hippeastrum
red
white
bicolored
orange
pink
Significance for special day(s)
Hippeastrum is especially popular around Christmas.
More information
