I wouldn't fret. :-) The leaves of mine are sometimes "floppy." A lot of times they will "right" themselves and I've also known some people to "tie" them into a supported position. I only fertilize after they are done blooming. If they're done blooming, I say go for it but be cautious. Don't love them to death! lol How long has it been since they've changed soil? If they seem to be happy and growing properly I wouldn't change a thing. I re-pot once a year but I know people who go as long as three years with no detriment. Nice to meet you, Posie! I'm Larissa.

The floppy leaves are common among hippies even in good conditions. However, in this time of year, it is even more common because of less-than-perfect light conditions. Don't worry about the leaves-- they're doing their job even if they are floppy. If one breaks or cuts off the sap flow, it'll be lost but will soon be replaced-- so no worries.

Furthermore, I would suggest you NOT fertilize based on the fact that the plant is not focused or able to use up the fertilizer. It would be a waste right now.

My two cents- anyone else have a say in this?

Ryan

Fertilize when they're done blooming... I use MiracleGro houseplant food, and a few drops of Superthrive. I feed a weak solution every other time I water.

Re-potting... if the pots are roomy, you could leave the bulb undisturbed for up to 3 years, and just top-dress with a bit of fresh soil once a year... but it's probably more prudent to re-pot every other year as the medium will be depleted and decomposed/compacted.

I've attached a link that explains container gardening and soils... it's very educational, and I highly recommend reading the entire thread!

Here is a link that might be useful: Container Soils - Water Movement and Retention

I use Osmokote but there are lots and lots of great fertilizers out there. MiracleGro is a great one. I try to listen to Jodi on most things :-) How are the leaves now, Posie?

I'm flattered, Larissa, thank you for the vote of confidence! I listen to Maria and several others who have been growing longer than I... I've had to adjust a few things for my climate, like the medium I use.

Osmocote is a great fertilizer, and I do use that for everything I plant outdoors in containers. I like to control the feed amounts on my indoor pots, so I use liquid MiracleGro and Superthrive. I can mix it to whatever strength I need.

There are lots of different plant foods on the market... fish emulsion is a good one, and I think that's what Maria uses.

I also tend to repeat myself, so if I've said anything before, ignore me... a head injury makes memory a difficult thing! :-)

I use miracle grow, too, but have stopped using that for now and have changed to a fish emulsion instead. It seems to be more expensive, but when you mix it in the quantities and powers I do, it stretches a long way. It is called Old Age Grow and I have two kinds-- high Ni and high Phosphates. I plan on using the high nitrogen for my non-flowering and the high phosphate for my flowering plants. Hard to tell how its doing so far as I haven't bothered to water much with it yet, considering its winter! However, my Key Lime tree has grown its first blooms this year and so I'm feeding a light mixture of the high phosphate to it now.

What does everyone else use? Also, with regard to the amaryllis, would one ever bother fertilizing with a high nitrogen instead of phosphate, or always just a high phosphate? Its my understanding that nitrogen helps general plant growth, phosphates help those who bear flowers and fruit to actually hold and have healthy flowers and fruit but not necessarily aid the general growth of the plant. Is this statement correct?

I'm off to the gym! I'm training for a triathlon, and I don't know why!

Ryan

I spent the day training in power napping, and I think I did a good job... just got up now! Actually, I feel a little under the weather, and have been fighting insomnia lately. With all the cold and ice outdoors, napping in the afternoon is the perfect pastime! I feel a little bit like I trained for that triathlon, and I'm waaay out of shape!

Fertilizers high in nitrogen promote green growth, I know... but the necessary compounds for bloom escape me at the moment. I get confused when everyone starts talking about the different minerals and scientific breakdowns of plant feeds. It's only taken me 40 years to finally understand the relationship between roots and soils in a container environment... don't go confusing me with nitrogen issues! LOL!

I just stick with what works. So far, liquid houseplant food works. Superthrive adds certain vitamins that regular plant food may not include.

My next order of business will be to find an easy way to understand what happens when plants intake feed. Don't rush me... I just woke up! LOL!