Hippeastrum Picotee

Description

Hippeastrum Picotee, also known as the Picotee Amaryllis, is a bulbous perennial plant that belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family. It is a hybrid species that originated from South America and is popularly grown for its striking flowers. The plant produces large, trumpet-shaped blooms that come in various colors, including white, pink, and red. The flowers have a distinct picotee edge, which is a thin line of contrasting color around the petals’ edges.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Hippeastrum Picotee grows up to 20 inches tall and 10-12 inches wide. It has a bulbous base that produces thick, strap-like leaves that are about 20 inches long and 2 inches wide. The flowers grow on a thick, hollow stem that is about 20 inches long and can produce 2-3 blooms. Each bloom is about 6 inches wide and has six petals that are slightly curved and pointed at the tips. The petals’ coloration varies depending on the cultivar, but they usually have a white base with pink or red streaks and a thin, white picotee edge.

Care Guide

Hippeastrum Picotee requires regular care to thrive and produce healthy flowers. Here are some care tips:

Water: Water the plant thoroughly after planting and then only when the top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.

Fertilization: Feed the plant with a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. Stop fertilizing after the flowers start to fade.

Soil: Plant Hippeastrum Picotee in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Use a potting mix that contains peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite.

Sunlight: Place the plant in a bright, indirect light location. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves and flowers.

Hardiness Zones: Hippeastrum Picotee is hardy in USDA zones 8-10. In colder regions, it can be grown indoors as a houseplant.

Common Pests & Diseases

Hippeastrum Picotee is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including:

Spider mites: These tiny insects can infest the plant and cause yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control them.

Mealybugs: These white, cottony insects can feed on the plant’s sap and cause wilting and yellowing of the leaves. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control them.

Root rot: Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can cause the plant’s roots to rot and the leaves to wilt. Avoid overwatering and improve drainage to prevent this disease.

Habitat

Hippeastrum Picotee is native to South America, where it grows in tropical and subtropical regions. It prefers well-draining soils and warm temperatures and can be found growing in gardens, parks, and natural habitats.

Question and Answer

Q: How often should I water Hippeastrum Picotee?

A: Water the plant when the top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.

Q: Can Hippeastrum Picotee grow in full sun?

A: No, Hippeastrum Picotee prefers bright, indirect light and can be scorched by direct sunlight.

Q: How do I fertilize Hippeastrum Picotee?

A: Feed the plant with a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. Stop fertilizing after the flowers start to fade.

Q: Can Hippeastrum Picotee grow in cold climates?

A: Hippeastrum Picotee is hardy in USDA zones 8-10. It can be grown indoors as a houseplant in colder regions.

Related Plants

Here are some related plants to Hippeastrum Picotee:

• Hippeastrum papilio
• Hippeastrum equestre
• Hippeastrum vittatum
• Hippeastrum reginae

References

• “Hippeastrum Picotee.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b919.
• “Hippeastrum.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/plants/search-results?form-mode=true&query=hippeastrum.
• “Hippeastrum.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 22 Feb. 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippeastrum.