Hippeastrum (Spider Group) 'Merengue'

Plant bulbs in autumn in loam-based potting compost with the neck and shoulders above the soil surface. Place in bright filtered or full light and water sparingly until in active growth, then water freely and apply a dilute, balanced liquid fertiliser every 2 weeks. After flowering reduce watering as the leaves die off; keep dry when dormant. Pot on every 3-5 years in autumn. See hippeastrum cultivation for further information

No pruning required

Propagate by removing offsets in autumn. Sow seed as soon as ripe at 16-18°C; keep seedlings growing without a dormant period to encourage earlier flowering

May be susceptible to bulb scale mite and large narcissus bulb fly

May be susceptible to fungal diseases