Growing amaryllis bulbs in pots is a fun and easy way to add beautiful flowers to your home during the winter months. With their large, trumpet-shaped blooms and showy colors, amaryllis are one of the most stunning flowering bulbs you can grow indoors. Follow this complete guide to learn everything you need to know about successfully cultivating amaryllis bulbs in containers.
Selecting High Quality Bulbs
The first step to growing amaryllis is choosing high quality bulbs. Look for bulbs that are large, firm, and heavy for their size. They should have a diameter of at least 2 inches. Avoid bulbs that are small, soft, moldy, or damaged. Healthy bulbs will produce the biggest, brightest blooms. The best bulbs have plump roots at their base and show no signs of rot. Bulbs that meet these criteria have the vigor needed to grow and flower well.
You can purchase individual bulbs or pick up multi-packs with different varieties so you can grow several types of amaryllis together for a colorful display Buy bulbs in the fall around 6 to 8 weeks before you want them to bloom.
Choosing the Right Pot
Pick a container that is
- At least 2 inches wider than the bulb
- Heavy and sturdy material like ceramic or plastic
- 6 to 8 inches deep
- Has drainage holes in the bottom
Shallow pots do not give amaryllis bulbs enough room for root growth. For multiple bulbs, use a 10 to 12 inch wide container. The pot should feel heavy and stable so it does not tip over once the tall flower stalks emerge. You can place plain plastic nursery pots inside decorative cachepots. Just make sure the inner pot has holes for drainage.
Planting the Bulb Properly
Plant bulbs in late fall, about 6-8 weeks before you want flowers. Follow these steps:
-
Place a layer of gravel or pebbles over the drainage hole to prevent soil from washing out
-
Fill the pot halfway with moist, well-draining potting mix. Do not pack it down.
-
Nestle the bulb in the center with the top one-third exposed above the soil line.
-
Gently firm the soil around the roots and base, but leave the top third uncovered.
-
Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil and provide moisture.
Planting halfway gives the roots room to spread down before topping off with more soil. Take care not to wet the bulb neck and expose it to rot.
Caring for Amaryllis Pots
To get the most flowers and keep amaryllis plants healthy, provide:
-
Bright, indirect light from a southern or western window. No direct sun.
-
Consistently moist soil. Water when the top inch becomes dry.
-
Temperatures between 65-70°F. Avoid cold drafts.
-
A dilute liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks once green growth appears.
-
Regular turning of pots to prevent floppy, one-sided growth.
The emerging green leaves will start producing flower stalks and buds 6 to 8 weeks after planting. Support tall stalks with garden stakes if needed. Display amaryllis out of direct sun and away from heat for longest bloom time.
After Flowering Care
Once the blossoms fade:
-
Cut each spent flower stalk back to the base.
-
Move the pot to a sunny window and continue caring for the foliage.
-
Water sparingly for 6-8 weeks to allow the plant to go dormant naturally.
-
Gradually stop watering as the leaves yellow and die back.
-
Allow the dormant bulb to rest for 2-3 months in a cool, dry place.
Letting the leaves fully die back provides energy to the bulb for next year’s bloom. When all foliage is dead, remove it and store bulb until ready to replant.
Getting Amaryllis to Rebloom
With proper care, amaryllis bulbs can be coaxed into reblooming year after year. To trigger flowering again:
-
In midsummer, remove dead foliage, repot bulbs in fresh soil if needed.
-
Place bulbs in a sunny spot and water very sparingly for 6-8 weeks.
-
Bring back inside in fall to a bright spot. Increase water and fertilizer.
-
Flowers and leaves will emerge within 6 to 10 weeks.
The key is allowing the bulb a dormant period over summer by slowly withholding water and letting it rest before restarting growth in fall.
Troubleshooting Common Amaryllis Problems
Here are some common amaryllis issues and how to fix them:
-
Leggy growth – Needs more sunlight.
-
Leaves but no flowers – May require cooler temps or more fertilizer.
-
Drooping stalks – Check roots for rot and reduce watering.
-
Small blooms – Bulb may be less than 2 inches diameter.
-
Won’t bloom – Likely went dormant too early from lack of water.
With proper selection, planting, and care, potted amaryllis bulbs will thrive and fill any space with spectacular winter flowers year after year. They are easy to grow indoors and their huge, colorful blooms bring brightness through the darkest months. Follow this complete guide and you’ll be a successful amaryllis grower in no time!
You Might Also Like
Planting Amaryllis Bulbs // Garden Answer
FAQ
How do you take care of an amaryllis in a pot?
Ongoing Care: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, which can cause rot. Location: Place the pot in a warm, bright location. Amaryllis thrive in direct sunlight but can tolerate partial shade. Rotation: Rotate the pot occasionally to promote even growth.
What do you do with an amaryllis bulb after it blooms?
-
After Blooming:
- Remove Spent Flowers: Cut off the flower stalks as soon as the flowers fade, but leave the leaves intact, as they are crucial for the bulb’s energy storage.
- Continue Watering and Fertilizing: Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and fertilize regularly with a balanced houseplant fertilizer.
- Provide Bright Light: Place the amaryllis in a bright location, ideally a window with southern exposure, to encourage leaf growth.
- Remove Spent Flowers: Cut off the flower stalks as soon as the flowers fade, but leave the leaves intact, as they are crucial for the bulb’s energy storage.
-
Dormancy Period (Late Summer/Early Fall):
- Stop Watering: Reduce watering and eventually stop entirely as the leaves start to yellow and die back.
- Move to a Cool, Dark Place: Place the potted bulb in a cool, dark area (like a basement, garage, or closet) with temperatures between 50-60°F (10-15°C) for 8-10 weeks.
- No Watering or Light: Ensure the bulb remains dormant during this period, without any watering or exposure to light.
- Stop Watering: Reduce watering and eventually stop entirely as the leaves start to yellow and die back.
-
Reblooming:
- Bring Back to Light: After the dormancy period, bring the bulb back to a bright, warm location and gradually resume watering.
- Repot (Optional): You can repot the bulb in fresh potting mix if needed, ensuring the top third of the bulb remains exposed.
- Continue Care: Continue to water and fertilize as needed, and the amaryllis should start to produce new flower buds in time.
- Bring Back to Light: After the dormancy period, bring the bulb back to a bright, warm location and gradually resume watering.
What is the secret to growing amaryllis?
The secret to keeping amaryllis thriving for years is to keep the plants actively growing AFTER they have finished blooming. After the flowers have faded, cut them off to prevent seed formation.
Can I plant amaryllis bulbs in a pot?
While these bulbs can grow without any water or soil if they’re waxed, planting them in a pot is one way to get them to flower year after year. Follow this simple step-by-step guide to correctly plant an amaryllis bulb (or several) in a pot.
How do you grow Amaryllis in a pot?
Bulbs that are at least 2 inches diameter usually produce the best blooms. Choose single bulbs or pick up a variety pack to grow multiple amaryllis together. Pick a pot that is: Shallow pots won’t give roots enough room to spread out. For multiple bulbs, use a 10-12 inch wide container.
Can You Grow Your Own Amaryllis?
Sure, you can buy fully-grown amaryllis plants from your local garden centre or supermarket, but there’s nothing quite like growing your own blooms from the bulb. And if you know when to plant amaryllis bulbs and how to care for amaryllis, you’re already halfway there.
What are the best pots for Amaryllis?
The best pots for amaryllis are those with adequate drainage holes in the bottom. It could be ceramic, clay, or plastic. Just ensure it’s at least 6-inch in diameter in the case of a single bulb and a ten- to twelve-inch planter for groups of three bulbs. These plants enjoy being cramped up (pot-bound).
How do you plant an Amaryllis bulb?
You may choose to start your amaryllis bulb in water with just the root end immersed or in a container with soil mixture. To plant the bulb, select a container that is 1 inch ( 2.5 cm) larger than the diameter. Plant the bulb so half of it is sitting above the soil. Water the container well to settle the soil around the roots.
How long do amaryllis bulbs take to grow?
After planting your amaryllis bulb in a pot, you should expect to see green growth in a couple of weeks. Wait to water until the new leaves are about 2 inches tall. The bulbs will bloom in 6-12 weeks, depending on growing conditions and the variety of amaryllis.