Many people grow amaryllis bulbs to have plants blooming indoors in winter, though the bulbs can bloom at other times of year. Amaryllis flowers are generally hybrids from various species in the Hippeastrum genus, a group of tropical plants from Central and South America. There is also a true Amaryllis genus containing just two species native to South Africa. These are not, however, the amaryllis plants commonly cultivated in the U.S.
Amaryllis plants have strappy leaves and huge flowers shaped like trumpet lilies. The blooms are typically a deep red, pink, white, or blend of these colors. You can expect your amaryllis to bloom for seven weeks or longer. Amaryllis has components in the bulbs, leaves, and stems that are toxic to people and pets.
The amaryllis is a flowering bulb plant that produces showy, trumpet-shaped blooms on tall stalks. Native to tropical regions, amaryllis make excellent houseplants and can be grown easily indoors or outdoors in warm climates. With the right care, amaryllis bulbs can produce gorgeous flowers year after year. This comprehensive guide provides tips and tricks for successfully growing healthy amaryllis plants and getting them to rebloom.
Choosing the Right Bulb
The key to growing beautiful amaryllis blooms starts with selecting a high-quality bulb. Look for bulbs that are large, firm, and free of blemishes. Avoid any that are moldy, damaged, or soft. The size of the bulb generally determines the number of blooms – larger bulbs produce more flowers. Miniature amaryllis varieties have smaller bulbs, around 2.5 inches, while large bulbs can be up to 5 inches wide.
Planting Your Bulb
Amaryllis bulbs can be planted directly in a pot with soil or grown hydroponically in glass vases with water and no soil,
Soil Method
Choose a pot that is just wider than the bulb with drainage holes. Place a couple inches of potting mix in the bottom set the bulb on top with roots facing down, and fill in sides with more mix. Leave the top one-third of the bulb exposed above the soil line. After watering well place the pot in bright, indirect light around 65°F.
Hydroponic Method
Place rocks, pebbles, or marbles in the bottom of a glass vase. Add water until it reaches about 1/3 up the vase. Position the amaryllis bulb, root side down, on top of the rocks and add more rocks to hold it in place. Top off with water just below the bulb base. Place in bright light near a sunny window.
Watering
Proper watering is key to growing healthy amaryllis plants. After initially planting, water sparingly – just enough to keep the soil slightly moist. Apply no more than 1/4 cup water per week. Overwatering can easily ruin bulbs, leading to rot, while underwatering causes leaves to wilt. For hydroponic bulbs, maintain water level just below the bulb base, refilling as needed.
Lighting
Amaryllis prefer bright light to stimulate blooming but not direct sunlight which can scorch leaves Place bulbs near a sunny window filtered by a sheer curtain or provide 12-14 hours under grow lights daily Rotate pots regularly to prevent leaning toward light,
Encouraging Flowers
Bulbs need adequate warmth to bloom – temperatures between 65-70°F work best. Keep bulbs away from drafty windows or vents. Applying liquid flower fertilizer when bulbs sprout can boost flowering. It takes 6-8 weeks for flowers to appear once bulbs are planted. Tall flower stalks may need staking support as they grow.
Caring for Blooms
When amaryllis flowers begin to open, move plants out of direct sun to make blooms last longer. Keeping pots in a cool spot with temperatures around 60°F can extend flower life. Remove faded blooms by cutting them off to tidy up plants. Take care not to damage any new flower stalks that may emerge.
Getting Amaryllis to Rebloom
With proper care after flowering, amaryllis bulbs can be coaxed into reblooming year after year. Here are some tips:
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Cut off flower stalks after blooms fade, leaving the foliage. Continue caring for the leaves which provide energy for future blooms.
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Water sparingly and fertilize occasionally through the summer. In warm climates, bulbs can be moved outside in a sunny spot.
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In late summer, allow bulbs to go dormant by gradually stopping watering and letting leaves die back. Move pots to a cool 55°F location for 6-10 weeks rest.
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After sufficient dormancy, replant bulbs in fresh soil or water and move to a warm, sunny spot indoors. New growth and flowers should appear within weeks.
Long Term Care
To keep amaryllis thriving season after season, bulbs need repotting every 2-3 years. Carefully remove bulbs after foliage dies back and replant in fresh potting mix in next sized pot. Divide overcrowded bulbs growing offsets to start new plants. Repotted bulbs may not bloom that season but will return even stronger the following year.
Troubleshooting Problems
- Leggy growth – Increase sunlight exposure
- Leaning stem – Rotate pot frequently or stake stems
- No flowers – Choose larger bulbs, increase sunlight, apply fertilizer
- Leaf yellowing – Avoid overwatering and ensure drainage
- Wilting – Water more frequently, do not let soil totally dry out
- Pests – Isolate andapply insecticidal soap spray if pests like mites or aphids appear
- Diseases – Apply fungicide and improve air circulation if gray mold or other fungus develops
Growing Amaryllis Outdoors
While amaryllis are commonly grown as indoor plants, they can also be grown directly in garden beds in frost-free climates. Plant bulbs in well-draining soil in full sun to partial shade. Provide ample water and nutrition. Fertilize regularly and bring bulbs back indoors before first frost. Care for the bulbs as houseplants over the winter to encourage spring reblooming.
Enjoying Beautiful Blooms
With the right care, amaryllis bulbs can keep producing gorgeous blooms season after season. Follow this amaryllis plant care guide for tips to successfully grow these striking flowers. Proper planting, watering, lighting, and dormancy are the secrets to thriving, long-blooming amaryllis houseplants.
Propagating Amaryllis
Amaryllis bulbs will produce small side bulbs similar to the way daffodils multiply. You can carefully remove these bulbils and pot them to produce more plants once the parent plant has gone dormant and its blooms have died—typically late winter to early spring for outdoor plants and the fall for indoor plants. Give bulbils a few seasons of growth before expecting flowers. Heres how:
- Using a spade, carefully remove the entire plant from the flower bed or container.
- Remove soil from around the bulb and any roots.
- Twist the bulbils gently away from the parent bulb to separate. If it is not disconnecting easily, you can use a knife to split them apart. Make sure to keep any roots on the bulbils intact, and do not take any small bulbils from the parent bulb.
- Replant the parent bulb in the same spot in the garden bed or container.
- Plant the bulbils in prepared containers filled with rich potting soil, leaving about 1/3 of the top of the bulb visible above the soil. The container should allow a maximum of two inches from the bulb to the side of the container.
- Place the container indoors in a sunny location. Water to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Expect to see new growth in three to four weeks.
Caring for Amarillis Indoors in Fall and Winter
Many people purchase amaryllis bulbs and pot them in the fall so they can be in bloom over the winter holidays. If youre doing that, simply follow the setup steps used for spring planting. But if youre engaging in amaryllis care year-round, you can take some specific amaryllis care steps after flowering to encourage those winter blooms again.
After your amaryllis has bloomed, cut back the flower stalk but allow the foliage to continue growing. You can place your plant outdoors in summer in partial shade if you like. Water your amaryllis whenever the top two inches of soil becomes dry. And, feed it with a half-strength water-soluble fertilizer every two to three weeks.
Stop feeding in August, and bring the plant indoors. Its foliage will be depreciating, but the plant should never be exposed to frost. Cut back any fully depreciated amaryllis leaves. At this point, its time to expose your amaryllis to dark conditions. Move it to a cool (55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit), dry indoor spot that doesnt receive any light. Also, stop watering it either at this point or 10 to 12 weeks prior to when you want it to bloom (if youre targeting a winter holiday).
The lack of foliage and water will induce the amaryllis to send out another flower stalk. Resume watering at this time, and move the plant to a warm, sunny indoor spot. Leaves will appear, and blooms will soon follow. After flowering, withhold feeding for eight to ten weeks to induce the dormancy needed to reset the bulbs.
My Amaryllis Passion Grows! How to Plant, Propagate, & Rebloom Amaryllis Bulbs + Cut Amaryllis Tips!
FAQ
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