Amaryllis plants produce the most amazing trumpet-shaped flowers. Some of my readers from warmer climates can grow these beauties outdoors, but in non-tropical climates, Amaryllis are indoor plants. Amaryllis are grown from very large bulbs and are a popular Christmas flower. Often they are packaged in pretty boxes that make great gifts. Follow along as I share how to grow amaryllis bulbs indoors and enjoy the photos of my beautiful amaryllis flowers.
Although amaryllis bulbs are marketed as Christmas flowers, I don’t plant mine until after the holiday season. I don’t have room to get bulbs going with all the Christmas décor. Plus, I love picking up the bulbs on clearance and then having them bloom during the late winter months when I’m tired of the gloomy days of winter. There’s nothing more cheery to me than the big, bright blooms of amaryllis flowers in the dead of winter. If you have more than one bulb, it’s fun to stagger out the plantings, so you have several weeks of Amaryllis blooms.
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The amaryllis is a popular and beautiful flowering bulb that can brighten up any indoor space during the winter months Though often associated with the holidays, amaryllis can be grown successfully indoors year-round with proper care. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to grow a lush, healthy amaryllis plant indoors and bring some life to your living space
Getting Started with Amaryllis
Amaryllis bulbs are widely available at most garden centers and plant nurseries, especially around the holidays When selecting a bulb, look for large, firm bulbs that are heavy for their size. Avoid bulbs that are soft, moldy, or damaged. The bulb’s size correlates to the size of the bloom, so larger bulbs will produce more impressive flowers.
Amaryllis come in a variety of beautiful colors like crimson, pink, white, salmon, orange, and more. Some bulbs produce striped or multicolored blooms for extra visual interest. The most common color is red, but feel free to experiment with different hues.
Planting Your Amaryllis Bulb
Amaryllis bulbs can be planted anytime from October through April for winter and spring blooms. Choose a pot that is just slightly wider than the bulb with drainage holes Place a couple inches of potting mix in the bottom and set the bulb on top, keeping about one-third of the bulb above the soil line Spread the roots out and fill in around the bulb with more soil, leaving just an inch or so of space to the rim.
Water the soil thoroughly after planting. Place the pot in a bright, 60-65°F room out of direct sunlight. Water sparingly until sprouts emerge, then regularly whenever the soil dries out. Rotate the pot every few days for straight stems.
Caring for Your Amaryllis
Amaryllis prefer evenly moist, but not soggy soil. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Water too frequently and you risk rotting the bulb; too infrequently and the plant will wilt. Aim for about 1-2 inches of rainfall (or irrigation) per week.
Situate amaryllis in bright, indirect light for best growth and flowering. Rotate the pot regularly to prevent leaning toward the light. Daytime temperatures of 65-75°F are ideal. Avoid drafty locations which can damage buds and bloom.
Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks while the plant is actively growing and producing foliage. Discontinue fertilizer a month before the expected dormancy period.
Pinch off spent blooms just behind the flower head to encourage reblooming. Leave the flower stalk intact until it dies back naturally. This allows the plant to redirect energy to the developing bulbs.
After Flowering Care
Once amaryllis has finished flowering, cut the old flowers from the stem after they wither. Allow the stem and leaves to remain so the plant can photosynthesize and replenish the bulb. Place the potted amaryllis in a sunny window and water normally during this time.
Around late summer, amaryllis foliage will yellow and die back as the plant enters dormancy. At this point, cut leaves back to about 2 inches from the top of the bulb and remove it from the pot. Gently brush off loose soil and trim any dead roots.
Store the dormant bulb in a cool (40-50°F), dark place like a basement or closet for 6-8 weeks. Do not allow the bulb to freeze. After the rest period, you can begin the planting process again by repotting in fresh soil anytime from October to April.
Troubleshooting Common Amaryllis Problems
No blooms – Insufficient sunlight, inconsistent watering, or improper dormancy are common culprits for lack of flowers. Make sure the bulb is large and healthy, and follow the recommended care guidelines.
Leaf scorch – Reddish, dry patches on leaves may indicate a fungal infection. Improve air circulation and remove affected foliage.
Foliage flop – Weak stems that cause leaves to droop are often from insufficient light. Rotate the pot for even exposure.
Leggy growth – Excessive stem elongation with sparse leaves happens with too little sunlight. Move to a brighter location.
Failed blooms – Buds that form but fail to open are usually from cold drafts or drastic temperature fluctuations. Keep amaryllis away from vents, windows, or doors.
Bulb rot – Waterlogged soil leads to decay of the bulb. Allow the potting mix to dry between irrigations. Discard damaged bulbs and repot in fresh, dry soil.
Propagating Amaryllis
The primary method of propagating amaryllis is through offset bulbils that form around the mother bulb. Gently separate these bulbils during repotting and pot up individually, watering sparingly until growth emerges. It may take a few years for the offsets to grow large enough to flower.
You can also collect and sow amaryllis seeds, but this is less reliable and takes much longer – up to 5 years for flowers! For the quickest results, propagate from the offsets.
Growing Amaryllis Outdoors
In frost-free climates (zones 9-10), amaryllis can be grown in garden beds or containers outdoors year-round. Plant bulbs in spring at a depth 2-3 times their height, in loose, well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. Space bulbs 6-12 inches apart.
Provide at least 6 hours of direct sun daily. Water during dry spells, tapering off after blooming. Mulch thickly to protect bulbs from freezing if overwintering in marginally hardy climates. Bring potted plants indoors before first frost.
Enjoying Amaryllis Year After Year
When cared for properly, amaryllis bulbs can live for many years and produce gorgeous blooms annually. Follow this indoor growing guide for lush, healthy amaryllis that will brighten up your living space with spectacular flowers year after year. With the right conditions, your amaryllis will continue rewarding you with their dazzling winter blooms for seasons to come.
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How to Plant Amaryllis Bulbs
According to the internet, there are about 155 different ways to get your Amaryllis bulbs growing (said in jest), but I will just stick with what works for me.
- Fill your container with new potting mix only about a third to half full. For best results, use fresh potting soil.
- Set your bulb in the pot on top of the potting mix like the picture below.
- Add more soil and tamp it down a bit until about the top third of the bulb is still showing above the soil.
- Sit the pot in the sink and water with lukewarm water (add fertilizer at this time). Allow the water to drain completely.
- As the soil settles in around the roots after watering, you may need to add a little more soil. Remember the top of the bulb needs to be above the soil.
- Set your pot on a saucer to catch water runoff. Also empty water out of the saucer
- Place the potted bulb in a sunny spot.
It’s so exciting to see the new growth emerging from the bulb. In my experience, it usually takes 6-8 weeks before the flower buds start to open.
Determining the Bloom Time of Amaryllis
There’s no guaranteed way to determine the bloom time of Amaryllis. In my experience, it usually takes anywhere from six to eight weeks (sometimes less, sometimes more) from the time the bulb is planted until it blooms. Here is a handy chart I put together to make estimating the time easier. So, if you want your Amaryllis to bloom in time for Christmas, the bulb should be planted somewhere around November 1st.
Pick up your free printable Amaryllis Bloom Chart, along with the instructions for growing Amaryllis indoors, in the Gardening Resources Library. Complete the form below for immediate access, as well as access to all of Gingham Gardens’ Gardening Printables.
My Amaryllis Passion Grows! How to Plant, Propagate, & Rebloom Amaryllis Bulbs + Cut Amaryllis Tips!
FAQ
What is the secret to growing amaryllis?
How often do you water amaryllis indoors?
Are coffee grounds good for amaryllis bulbs?
Can Amaryllis grow indoors?
Getting an Amaryllis to grow and bloom properly indoors can be a difficult task, but I have created this guide to give you the tips that you will need to successfully grow these plants in your home. 1. When you plant Amaryllis, do not use an excessively large pot because the plant likes to be confined a bit.
How to plant an Amaryllis bulb in a pot?
It is very easy to plant an amaryllis bulb in a pot. You will need a healthy amaryllis bulb, a pot, some potting soil, water, and a place to set your plant while it grows. Then you’ll need to provide a little bit of your own patience while you await the flowers. Amaryllis prefer cozy pots with a wide base and good drainage holes.
How do you grow Amaryllis?
Choose a location that receives morning sun and afternoon shade to protect the plants from intense heat. Amaryllis thrives in well-draining soil. Use a high-quality potting mix designed for bulbs or create your own mix by combining equal parts potting soil, peat moss, and perlite or sand.
Can I plant Amaryllis outside after it blooms?
If you want to try planting your amaryllis outside after it blooms, wait until after danger of frost. Choose a sunny garden location with loose, well-drained soil. Plant your bulb to the same depth it was planted in the pot. Just remember that before the first frost, you should cover the bulb with mulch to protect it from freezing.