Troubleshooting
Amaryllis 'Picotee' problems — and how to fix them
Amaryllis 'Picotee' (Hippeastrum 'Picotee') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Weak, leaning stalk
Too little light stretches the heavy-headed scape; site it in the brightest spot, rotate daily, and stake the stem if it starts to tip.
No second-year flowers
A depleted bulb produces leaves only; feed and grow the foliage through summer, then give a dry, dark 8-10 week dormancy before restarting watering.
Bulb rot
Burying the bulb fully or overwatering before rooting rots the basal plate; expose the top third and water sparingly until growth begins.
Red blotch (Stagonospora)
Red streaks and scarring on leaves, stalk and bulb mark this fungus; cut away affected tissue, keep the bulb dry, and improve ventilation.
Prevent amaryllis 'picotee' problems before they start
Most amaryllis 'picotee' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for amaryllis 'picotee' in general rather than its problems? Read the full amaryllis 'picotee' care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Amaryllis 'Picotee' problems — FAQ
Why is my amaryllis 'picotee' weak, leaning stalk?
Too little light stretches the heavy-headed scape; site it in the brightest spot, rotate daily, and stake the stem if it starts to tip.
Why is my amaryllis 'picotee' no second-year flowers?
A depleted bulb produces leaves only; feed and grow the foliage through summer, then give a dry, dark 8-10 week dormancy before restarting watering.
Why is my amaryllis 'picotee' bulb rot?
Burying the bulb fully or overwatering before rooting rots the basal plate; expose the top third and water sparingly until growth begins.
Why is my amaryllis 'picotee' red blotch (stagonospora)?
Red streaks and scarring on leaves, stalk and bulb mark this fungus; cut away affected tissue, keep the bulb dry, and improve ventilation.