Amaryllis

I do have real flowers too - like nina I have a very hardy Christmas cactus which is flowering well, a weeping fig which is huge, and several orchids which are now in bloom.

Lasat year, having admired my sisters Poinsettia which she'd had for 2 years, I bought one. From the day it entered our house, it seemed determined to die, in spite of my best efforts! I don't like to admit failure with plants, but it was a no go for us, so went in the bin.

I realy wanted a Christmassy plant, so a few days later spotted a fantastic deep ruby red amaryllis in Sainsburys. Well, it has been much admired, everyone comments on it as they enter the hall. I accept their compliments, and then, have to confess that it's a fake - but obviously a very realistic one! Must dust it off for this year

I'll stick to my Christmas cactus which seems indistructable. It is currently covered in buds for the 3rd year running. A minor miracle for me

I have managed to keep a couple now for about two years. They need to be dried off as described and given a very cool dry spell to get them to flower again.

I have quite enjoyed trying to get them to do a repeat flowering it's an interesting horticultural challenge. I also don't like throwing away plants that could survive another season with the right care.

How to look after them.
gardening.about.com/od/floweringbulbs/a/Amaryllis.htm

The biggest danger is "red blotch" which can be controlled.

pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/index.php/StagonosporaCurtisii

Amaryllises are generally raised to flower at Christmas - it's a big market.
It is all to do with daylight - the same with Poinsettias.
(BTW Poinsettia's what?)

lovely we are on the same wave length Henetha , they brighten things up soo much I find .
for us now !!

How lovely. Nothing like flowers in the house in winter to cheer us up.