A welcome relief from a
colour-deprived winter

True Amaryllis have pharmaceutical properties that surpass their usefulness as a horticultural asset

By Michael Walsh

February 20, 2025

An amaryllis is always waiting to delight and surprise you, even when your world seems cold and dark.

— Susan Meissner, Only the Beautiful

Did you receive an Amaryllis plant over the holidays? Its brilliant, giant trumpet-like flowers, each supported by a long stem and large, strap-like leaves, provide a welcome relief from a colour-deprived winter.

Interestingly, if you purchased one commercially, it’s not a true Amaryllis, but rather a hybrid. Retail Amaryllis are a cross between the genus Hippeastrum and the genus Amaryllis, both of the Amaryllidaceae family—hence its common name “gardener’s Amaryllis,” and botanical classification as Hippeastrum hybridum.

The Hippeastrum genus was produced from a breeding plan developed in 1799, which comprised 75 species native to South America and one from West Africa. The latter comprises one species, Amaryllis belladonna, native to the Cape of Good Hope. It was first described in 1689 by the Dutch doctor and botanist Paul Hermann.

Hippeastrum johnsonii c 1790 – Image: Public domain

These two species were first cross-bred in England by a gentleman named Johnson, who interestingly, was a watchmaker. The resulting hybrid produced larger, more colourful flowers. More hybrids were later developed in Belgium and Holland, but many of these were lost during both world wars. Hybridization of these species resumed after 1945, producing plants that could withstand outdoor environments, as well as an inflorescence containing various shades of pink pigments.

Today, the Netherlands, South Africa, Japan, Brazil and the United States are the major exporters of these hybrids.

With commercial hybridization, Aristotle’s phrase comes to mind: “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” In fact, that cannot be further from the truth. True Amaryllis have pharmaceutical properties that surpass their commonly known usefulness as a horticultural asset. The medicinal qualities of these plants have been known for generations by the people of South Africa, as a treatment for fever and pain. The bulbs of Amaryllis belladonna contain over 30 known alkaloids, which form the basis of new drug discoveries.

Current research builds on its use in traditional medicine by demonstrating a wider range of pharmaceutical properties. For example, Alzheimer’s disease is associated with decreased levels of acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter) at the brain’s synapses, due to the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. Studies have shown that the plant’s galantamine alkaloid can inhibit this particular enzyme, thereby slowing cognitive decline.

‘The medicinal qualities of these plants have been known for generations by the people of South Africa, as a treatment for fever and pain.’

This same alkaloid is effective in the treatment of HIV/AIDS by inhibiting cell fusion, forming a single hybrid cell that causes the spread of viral genetic material to uninfected cells.

Other research focuses on Plasmodium parasite resistance to anti-malarial drugs (chloroquine) in the treatment of this Anopheles mosquito-transmitted disease. The plant’s bulb contains a toxic lycorine alkaloid that exhibits anti-malarial activity against these drug-resistant parasites. It also contains a montanine alkaloid that exhibits antitumoral properties by preventing cell proliferation, used in the treatment of colorectal and breast carcinoma.

At this point, these studies add an entirely new dimension when viewing this plant. Most of us, however, are concerned about its longevity while displayed in our homes.

Hippeastrum correiense – Image: Creative Commons

Interestingly, other research focuses on the preservation of cut Amaryllis stored in water. Results indicate that the plant’s longevity increases with the addition of sugar to the water. This solution keeps the plant’s cells turgid by maintaining their water content and replenishes sugars normally used in the bulb’s respiration process. It also decreases the production of the hormone ethylene, which is responsible for the breakdown of cell walls. Many grocery stores use ethylene gas to promote the ripening of various fruits, such as bananas, before displaying them.

Finally, the plant will rebloom annually when treated with the proper aftercare. More specifically, when the last flower and stem fade, cut the stalk two to three inches above the bulb, leaving the leaves intact to continue their solar-powered photosynthetic process. (The flower’s pods contain viable seeds).

‘Results indicate that the plant’s longevity increases with the addition of sugar to the water. ‘

Water only when the growing medium dries out. After six months, reduce watering over three weeks and then stop. At this point, the bulb will enter a period of dormancy, relying on its nutrient reserves. Place the pot in a cool area for two to three months. The pot should be placed on its side to avoid moisture collecting on the surface. Following this period, move the pot to a warm, sunlit area and commence watering. Flowering should occur within four to eight weeks.

With their massive size and beautiful colours, they will once again attract both carpenter bee pollinators and people alike.

Feature image: Amaryllis belladonna flowers, Creative Commons

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