• Near the end of summer, bring your amaryllis indoors as it prepares for its next cycle of blooms, or transition it to dormancy to time your winter blooms.
• When the flowers and stem fade, trim the stem down within 1-2 inches of the neck of the bulb. Be careful to not damage the leaves.
• When watering amaryllis, avoid soaking the soil and dont wet the parts of the bulb above the soil.
• During winter, care for amaryllis by placing it in a cool (mid-60 degree) location with bright, indirect light.
• To promote the next cycle of blooms, water and feed your amaryllis with Miracle-Gro® Indoor Plant Food every 7-14 days.
Amaryllis is a beautiful bulb plant that produces large, colorful bell-shaped flowers and thrives indoors. Most people treat their amaryllis bulbs as “one-and-done” flowers. In truth, they keep getting better with time. The bulbs get bigger, producing more flower stems. Here are some steps for taking care of your amaryllis year-round.
Amaryllis is one of the easiest flower bulbs to grow and care for. Follow the steps below and get excited for big, beautiful blooms!
• Start by choosing the largest bulb available because the bigger the bulb, the more stems and flowers it will produce.
• A healthy bulb will be firm and free from any mold, spots, bruising, or other signs of damage.
• Select a container that drains well and is about an inch wider and twice as tall as your bulb.
• Fill the pot halfway with Miracle-Gro® Indoor Potting Mix and place your bulb into the pot with the pointed end facing up.
• Once in place, fill in your pot with the remaining potting mix, leaving the top 1/3 of the bulb exposed.
• Water until the potting mix is thoroughly moist, but avoid wetting the exposed portion of the bulb.
• Place your newly planted amaryllis in a sunny spot and you should have blooms in about 8-10 weeks.
• Amaryllis does not like to sit in water, so wait until the top 2 inches of soil are dry to water again.
Amaryllis produce gorgeous, trumpet-shaped blooms that add cheer to winter days To get the most out of these bulbs, proper fertilization is key Knowing when and how to feed your amaryllis will promote healthy growth and fabulous flowers.
Fertilizing amaryllis does require some finesse. Use too much, too little or the wrong kind and you can stress the plant. Follow best practices and your amaryllis will thrive. Let’s explore the dos and don’ts of fertilizing for amaryllis success!
When to Start Fertilizing Amaryllis
Timing is important when it comes to fertilizer, Start feeding amaryllis bulbs only after new foliage emerges in spring Applying fertilizer too early can burn tender new roots
Continue regular fertilization through the active growing season until late fall. Growth slows over winter, so reduce feeding during this time.
Feeding during dormancy can spur unwanted leaf growth that depletes the bulb’s resources. Allow the plant to complete its rest period before resuming fertilizer.
How Often to Fertilize Amaryllis
During peak growing seasons, amaryllis benefit from fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Here are two approaches:
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Liquid fertilizer – Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 2 weeks.
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Granular fertilizer – Apply a slow-release granular fertilizer formulated for bulbs once every 10-12 weeks.
Reduce frequency over winter. Too much fertilizer can cause floppy growth and tiny blooms.
The DOs of Fertilizing Amaryllis
Follow these dos to fertilize amaryllis properly:
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DO use a balanced fertilizer with equal nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium or slightly higher phosphorus to promote blooms.
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DO follow package directions to avoid over-fertilizing. More is NOT better!
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DO apply fertilizer directly to the soil around the bulb. Never get it on the foliage.
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DO water thoroughly before fertilizing to prevent burning dry roots.
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DO use liquid fertilizers at half strength or less to prevent salt buildup.
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DO reduce or stop fertilizing over winter while the plant is dormant.
The DON’Ts of Fertilizing Amaryllis
Steer clear of these missteps when feeding amaryllis:
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DON’T over-fertilize. Too much can burn roots and leaves. Stick to package rates.
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DON’T use high nitrogen fertilizers which promote leafy growth over flowers.
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DON’T fertilize a completely dry plant. Water first to avoid burning.
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DON’T get fertilizer on the foliage or flowers. Apply it only to the soil.
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DON’T fertilize during dormancy. Wait until active growth resumes in spring.
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DON’T use foliar feeds. Amaryllis don’t effectively absorb nutrients through leaves.
Choosing the Right Fertilizer for Amaryllis
Picking the perfect amaryllis fertilizer ensures your bulbs get proper nutrition. Consider these factors:
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Organic or chemical – Both work well if used as directed. Avoid overapplying chemical fertilizers.
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Granular or liquid – Liquids provide immediate nutrients while granular release slowly over time.
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Balanced NPK ratio – Aim for 10-10-10 or similar balances. Avoid high nitrogen products.
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Targeted formulas – Some are designed especially for bulbs, roses or blooming plants.
When in doubt, choose a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer and follow instructions carefully. Pick organic options to avoid buildup of synthetic chemicals in the potting mix over time.
Troubleshooting Common Amaryllis Fertilizer Problems
If your amaryllis plants struggle despite fertilizing, the issue may be your application method. Here are some potential problems and fixes:
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Burnt leaf tips – Back off on fertilizer strength and frequency.
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Leggy growth – Too much nitrogen. Switch to a balanced fertilizer.
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Small blooms – Likely caused by over-fertilizing. Reduce the dosage.
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No blooms – Could indicate insufficient phosphorus. Choose a bulb or bloom booster fertilizer.
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Salt buildup – Flush soil regularly to prevent salts from accumulating.
Achieving Success with Proper Fertilizing
Now that you know the dos and don’ts for fertilizing amaryllis, you can help your bulbs put out their biggest, brightest blooms.
Feed with care by choosing an appropriate fertilizer and following package instructions. Tweak your regimen if plants show signs of stress. A healthy amaryllis starts with smart fertilizing practices.
With the right balance of soil nutrition and tender loving care, your amaryllis will delight you with their jewel-toned blossoms year after year. Just be sure to give them the proper fertilizer at the proper time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fertilizing Amaryllis
How often should I fertilize my amaryllis bulbs?
Fertilize amaryllis every 2-3 weeks during active growth in spring through fall. Reduce feeding over winter.
What is the best fertilizer for amaryllis bulbs?
Choose a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 or one slightly higher in phosphorus to promote blooms. Avoid high nitrogen formulas.
Can I use the same fertilizer for amaryllis as my other plants?
Yes, an all-purpose balanced fertilizer works well for amaryllis. Just avoid types with very high nitrogen.
Is it okay to fertilize amaryllis while blooming?
Yes, you can fertilize while in bloom but avoid getting fertilizer directly on opened flowers which can cause damage.
How can I tell if I’m over-fertilizing my amaryllis?
Signs of over-fertilizing amaryllis include burnt leaf tips, weak stems, leggy growth, small blooms and leaf yellowing.
Should I fertilize amaryllis bulbs after blooming?
Yes, continue feeding from spring through fall to replenish the bulb after blooming. Reduce fertilizer over winter dormancy.
Can I use coffee grounds or compost as fertilizer for amaryllis?
Yes, compost and coffee grounds can provide organic nutrients. Combine with a balanced chemical or organic fertilizer for best results.
How do I fix an amaryllis with burnt leaves from fertilizer?
If leaves show fertilizer burn, flush the soil to remove excess salts. Cut back on fertilizer strength and frequency to prevent further damage.
What does it mean if my amaryllis has lush leaves but no blooms?
Insufficient phosphorus can cause leafy growth with no flowers. Use a bloom booster fertilizer with higher phosphorus to encourage blooming.
Should I fertilize a newly planted amaryllis bulb?
Wait until new growth emerges in spring before fertilizing a new bulb. Immediate fertilizing can burn the roots before they establish.
Caring for Amaryllis in Spring and Summer
Once temperatures stay above 50 degrees at night, you have the option of taking your amaryllis outside.
• Acclimate it to the outdoors by placing it in a shady area for 3 days and gradually expose it to more sun.
• These plants love sunshine. After its had time to acclimate outside, place it in a spot that gets at least 6 hours of sun daily.
• Amaryllis doesnt need to be planted in the ground. Feel free can keep it on your porch, or bury the pot in your garden bed.
Be sure to keep it well fed and watered to help it produce more leaves. This is when your bulb is storing up energy to produce more flowers, and healthier bulbs mean more flower stems and more blooms per stem.
Transitioning Amaryllis Indoors in Fall
Bring your amaryllis indoors in late summer before the first frost. As fall approaches, your amaryllis flowers will fade, but worry not. Follow these steps to help it bloom again:
• Once the flowers have faded and the stem turns yellow, cut the stem off 1-2 inches above the neck of the bulb.
• Be careful to not injure the leaves or any emerging flower stalks. The leaves are needed to replenish the bulb so it can bloom again.
• Water enough to keep the soil moist, and avoid wetting the portion of the bulb that is above the soil.
• Feed your amaryllis with Miracle-Gro® Indoor Plant Food every 7-14 days to promote reblooming.
• Keep your amaryllis in the sunniest spot you can find in your house. More sun will mean bigger blooms later.