Growing amaryllis, a favorite holiday plant
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EmailAmaryllis is one of the most widely grown bulbs worldwide and comes in a beautiful array of colors and flower types.
The vibrant, colorful flowers of amaryllis can transform any room into a cheerful oasis during the winter months. What is commonly referred to as an “amaryllis” actually belongs to the genus Hippeastrum, a group of bulbs native to Central and South America. Hippeastrum are commercially grown in countries like South Africa, Israel and the Netherlands, and are marketed as winter-flowering bulbs for indoor enjoyment. The true amaryllis (Amaryllis belladonna), by contrast, is native to South Africa and can be grown outdoors in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 7 and warmer.
Varieties and characteristics
Over time, breeders have developed an impressive range of hybrids from various Hippeastrum species, including single, double and miniature forms. Their colors span from classics white, scarlet and pink to interesting variations of orange or salmon, deep velvet red and even pale greens. Many are bicolored, featuring petals accented with pink or red brushstrokes or picotee edges. Depending on the species crossed during hybridization, flowers may have rounded, pointed or spidery petals. Typically, high quality bulbs produce two sturdy, 12- to 26-inch tall stems, each topped with four trumpet-shaped blooms that captivate with their size and elegance.
The name amaryllis is commonly used instead of Hippeastrum and will be used for the remainder of this article.
Wax-dipped bulbs
More frequently, wax-dipped bulbs are appearing in stores. These amaryllis will bloom without potting media or water. Follow the directions on the tag or box. You can discard your bulb after it finishes blooming or you can remove the wax coating from the bulb, plant it and care for it following the steps below.
Preparing and planting amaryllis bulbs
Amaryllis bulbs are widely available from October through January, often sold as bare-root bulbs or in kits that include a bulb, pot and potting medium. The key to achieving those picture-perfect blooms lies in proper preparation and planting.
- Storage: Keep unplanted bulbs in a cool place (around 50 degrees Fahrenheit) until ready to plant. Bulbs stored at warmer temperatures may begin to grow prematurely.
- Potting medium: Use a well-draining, soilless potting mix (not garden or top soil). Ensure the mix is slightly moist before planting; a dry mix may repel water.
- Pot selection: Choose a pot with about 1 inch of space between the bulb and the pot’s edge. For larger bulbs, a 6- to 7-inch pot is ideal. These bulbs prefer a smaller, rather than larger, pot.
Planting steps
- Fill the pot halfway with the potting mix and tamp it down slightly.
- Place the bulb with the pointed end (the "nose") up and fill in around it, leaving the top third of the bulb exposed.
- Firm the mix gently, leaving about 0.5 inch of space below the pot’s rim to allow for watering.
- Water lightly around the bulb with lukewarm water to settle the mix, avoiding getting water directly on the bulb’s nose.
Growing conditions and care
Growth typically begins within two to eight weeks, and flowering follows about eight to 12 weeks after planting. For best results, follow these recommendations.
- Light and temperature: Place the pot in a bright, sunny spot, such as a south-facing window, with a room temperature of 65-75 F. Turn the pot regularly to prevent the stems from leaning toward the light and use stakes if needed to support the flower stalks.
- Watering: Do not water again until a bud or green shoots appear, then water weekly or when the top inch of the mix feels dry.
- Flower care: Once flowers open, move the plant to a cooler location (around 65-68 F) out of direct sunlight to prolong bloom life. Keep away from drafts, radiators or heating vents.
Post-bloom care and reblooming
While some people discard amaryllis bulbs after flowering, with proper care they can rebloom year after year.
- After blooming:
- Cut the flower stalk back to a couple of inches above the bulb but keep the leaves intact. Once the flower stalk withers and dies, you can remove it.
- Place the plant in a sunny window and water when the top inch of soil is dry.
- Fertilize monthly with a balanced water-soluble fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10).
- Spring and summer:
- After the last frost, move the pot outdoors to a sunny location.
- Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist, and fertilize every few weeks.
- Fall dormancy:
- Before frost, bring the plant indoors.
- Trim off the foliage and store the bulb in a cool (45-55 F), dark, dry place for eight to 10 weeks.
Once the dormancy period is complete, repot the bulb and follow the original planting instructions. With patience and care, your amaryllis can brighten your home with spectacular blooms for years to come.
