The amaryllis is a popular bulbous flower that is commonly grown indoors during the winter months. With its large, trumpet-shaped blooms and vibrant colors it’s easy to see why the amaryllis has become such a staple for the winter garden. However in order to successfully grow an amaryllis and enjoy its stunning flowers year after year, it’s important to understand the different stages of the plant’s growth cycle. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through the various stages of amaryllis growth and provide tips on how to care for your plant during each phase.

Overview of Amaryllis Growth Stages

The growth of an amaryllis can be divided into five main stages:

• Bulb dormancy
• Leaf growth
• Bloom stalk development
• Flowering
• Dormancy

The entire growth cycle, from bulb to bloom, takes around 10-12 weeks on average. However, the timing can vary depending on factors like bulb variety, bulb size, and growing conditions. By familiarizing yourself with the unique characteristics of each stage, you can provide tailored care to your amaryllis and set it up for success.

Stage 1: Bulb Dormancy

This is the resting phase for the bulb. During this stage the bulb is entering a period of dormancy and will not actively grow or produce any leaves or flowers. The goal during this time is to encourage root development and prepare the bulb for the next growth phase.

• Timing: 4-6 weeks
• Care tips:
  • Store bulbs in a cool (55-60°F), dark place
  • Water sparingly, just enough to prevent shrivelling
  • Pot up bulbs in late fall/early winter

Well-rooted bulbs produce more robust leaf and flower growth. Allowing sufficient dormancy prevents premature leaf growth before the plant is ready.

Stage 2: Leaf Growth

Once potted up and watered, the amaryllis bulb will start actively growing again. You’ll see green shoots emerging from the top of the bulb.

• Timing: 2-4 weeks
• Care tips:
  • Place pot in warm (65-75°F), sunny location
  • Keep soil moist but not soggy
  • Rotate pot regularly for even growth
  • Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks

Strong, healthy leaves will fuel the plant for the next stage of bloom production. Inadequate light and nutrients during this phase can result in sparse, weak foliage and reduced blooms.

Stage 3: Bloom Stalk Development

This exciting phase involves the rapid vertical growth of the flower stalks or scapes. The stalks emerge from the center of the leaf bundles and can grow up to 2 inches per day!

• Timing: 2-3 weeks
• Care tips:
  • Stake taller varieties to prevent toppling
  • Provide bright, indirect light
  • Keep soil consistently moist
  • Avoid drafty areas

Even moisture and warmth are critical for proper stalk elongation and flower bud development. Cool temperatures and underwatering can cause stunted, abbreviated stems.

Stage 4: Flowering

The payoff for all your patience and care – large, showy amaryllis blooms! Buds will open from the top down, revealing gorgeous flowers.

• Timing: 2-6 weeks
• Care tips:
  • Display in a prominent place
  • Keep away from direct sun
  • Rotate plant for even exposure
  • Enjoy the flowers!
  • Remove faded blooms to encourage reblooming

Amaryllis flowers are prized for their size, colors, and form. Proper lighting keeps the blooms looking their best. Deadheading finished flowers helps redirect energy into future bud production.

Stage 5: Dormancy

After flowering, the amaryllis enters another dormant period. Leaves yellow, wither, and die back as the plant goes into hibernation mode.

• Timing: 6-10 weeks
• Care tips:
  • Cut off dead foliage
  • Gradually reduce watering
  • Allow soil to dry out completely
  • Store pot in cool, dark place

This rest phase is crucial for reblooming. Allow the plant to remain dormant for a minimum of 6 weeks before restarting the growth cycle. Insufficient dormancy can prevent reflowering.

Caring for Amaryllis Through the Stages

Now that we’ve covered the distinct stages of the amaryllis growth cycle, let’s go over some best practices for caring for your plant through the various phases:

Choosing a bulb: Select large, firm bulbs that are free of mold, bruises, and cuts. Larger bulbs produce more robust growth and more flower stems.

Potting: Use a container that is about 2 inches wider than the bulb with drainage holes. Plant so 1/3 of bulb remains above soil.

Soil: Amaryllis prefer loose, well-draining potting mixes. Options include multipurpose, African violet, or bulb mixes.

Light: During growth, amaryllis need full sun. Provide 4-6 hours of direct sun or 12-14 hours under grow lights.

Temperature: Ideal temps are 65-70°F during growth and 55-60°F when dormant. Avoid cold drafts.

Water: Water thoroughly after potting and whenever top inch of soil dries out. Reduce watering during dormancy.

Humidity: Average humidity around 40-50% is suitable. Mist leaves if air is very dry.

Fertilizer: Apply a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks while actively growing. Don’t fertilize during dormancy.

Support: Tall varieties may require staking to prevent toppling once bloom stalks develop.

Troubleshooting: If leaves grow but no bloom stalk appears, the bulb may require a longer dormancy period before reblooming.

Tips for Encouraging Reblooming

One of the appeals of amaryllis is getting these exotic-looking flowers to reappear year after year. Here are some key tips for getting your amaryllis to bloom again:

• Allow the bulb to go dormant for a minimum of 6-8 weeks after flowering.

• Do not cut off the old flowering stems until they dry – leaves need them to produce energy.

• Repot in fresh soil annually to provide nutrients for new growth.

• Water sparingly after flowering, then stop entirely once leaves yellow.

• Store dormant bulbs properly in a cool, dry place before restarting growth.

• Begin the growth cycle at the right time – usually late fall/early winter.

• Provide bright light, proper temperatures, even moisture during active growth.

• Stake tall bloom stalks for support and to prevent damage.

• Deadhead spent flowers to focus energy on bulb rather than seeds.

Follow this reblooming advice, and with proper care you can enjoy those delightful amaryllis blooms coming back year after year!

Common Problems and Solutions

While amaryllis are relatively easy bulbs to grow indoors, they can encounter some common problems. Here are some potential issues and troubleshooting tips:

Leggy foliage: Insufficient light causes leaves to stretch upward. Provide brighter light.

Tipped over stems: Stake taller varieties to prevent toppling from heavy blooms.

Drooping leaves: Overwatering can cause leaves to go limp. Allow soil to dry between waterings.

Flower buds blast: Extreme temperature swings or over-fertilization can cause buds to die. Provide even warmth and reduce fertilizer.

No blooms: Bulb may need more dormancy period before reblooming. Discontinue watering and store bulb for 8-12 weeks.

Rotting bulbs: Excess moisture leads to rotting. Discard diseased bulbs immediately and improve drainage.

Fun Facts About Amaryllis

• Native to tropical regions of South Africa, amaryllis was first introduced to Europe in the 1700s.

• The name “amaryllis” comes from a shepherdess character in Virgil’s pastoral poetry.

• Amaryllis bulbs can be quite enormous, sometimes weighing over 2 pounds.

• In the Victorian era, amaryllis symbolized pride and determination due to its stately beauty.

• Amaryllis bulbs produce multiple huge, lily-like flowers on each stem.

• Commercial growers often keep bulbs out of soil and in dark storage for 6-9 months to control flowering.

• There are over 600 named amaryllis hybrids and cultivars with different colors and forms.

• Amaryllis bulbs can be very long-lived, persisting for 75 years or more with proper care.

• Mature amaryllis bulbs can produce 2-12 spectacular flower stems under ideal conditions.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to brighten up your winter with vivid, exotic looking blooms, amaryllis is a great choice that delivers striking flowers and visual impact. By understanding the unique stages of growth and providing attentive care during each phase, you can successfully grow