Be careful when salting sidewalks around plants

Follow the directions on bags of ice melt when salting slippery areas on walks. Many people apply too much ice melt, which can cause damage to walks and adjacent plants. Consider using sand on slippery areas.

Mixing a small amount of ice melt with sand can also be effective and can minimize the amount of ice melt used. Calcium- or potassium-based products will be less damaging to plants than sodium-chloride products. Always shovel before spreading the de-icing material.

• Cyclamen plants prefer quite cool indoor conditions. Water them only when the soil dries out, and avoid splashing water on foliage. Remove faded flowers and their stems as soon as possible to keep the plants blooming and looking good.

• Pot up new amaryllis bulbs in wide, squat containers using a soilless growing medium. Allow the “shoulders” of the bulb to remain above the medium. Water well once and then allow the medium to dry out before watering again. Keep the pot away from direct sun, drafts and heating vents. As the stalk grows, rotate the pot for even growth. Most amaryllis send up a stalk and flowers first. After flowering, allow the stalk to yellow and wither before removing from the bulb. If you want to try to save the plant, continue to water when leaves emerge.

After May 15, take the plant outside to receive morning sun and fertilize regularly with a diluted 10-10-10 or 15-15-15 mix. Bring the bulb in before Oct. 15 for its resting period.

• Tim Johnson is director of horticulture at Chicago Botanic Garden, chicagobotanic.org.