How to Grow and Care for Amaryllis Plants

Amaryllis plants are a favorite for their blooms that appear during the winter months. These bulbs are known for their rapid growth, producing large, trumpet-shaped flowers on tall stalks. Their floral display can brighten any indoor space. With proper attention, these plants can be encouraged to flower again in subsequent years.

Planting Your Amaryllis Bulb

Select a pot that is about one inch wider than the bulb’s diameter, as amaryllis performs best when its roots are slightly confined. The container must have drainage holes to prevent bulb rot. A heavy pot made of terracotta or ceramic provides stability, preventing the top-heavy plant from tipping over when it blooms.

Use a sterile, well-draining potting mix. Fill the pot about halfway and place the bulb, pointed-end up, on the soil. Add more soil around the bulb, leaving the top one-third exposed to prevent moisture from collecting around its neck. After planting, water the soil thoroughly to settle it, but avoid getting water on the exposed part of the bulb.

Active Growth and Flowering Care

When the first green growth appears, move the pot to a location with bright, indirect sunlight. To ensure the flower stalk grows straight and strong, rotate the pot a quarter turn every few days. This simple action prevents the stalk from leaning towards the light as the heavy blooms develop.

Allow the top one to two inches of soil to dry before watering again. Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, but do not let the pot sit in standing water. Maintain room temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. You may need to stake the tall flower stalk for extra support to prevent it from bending.

To prolong the life of the blossoms, move the plant to a cooler location out of direct sunlight once the buds open. Keep the plant away from drafts or heating vents. A single bulb can produce multiple flower stalks, extending the blooming period for several weeks.

Getting Your Amaryllis to Rebloom

Post-Bloom Foliage Care

After the final flower has faded, cut the spent flower stalk back to one to two inches above the bulb, but do not remove the leaves. The foliage is responsible for photosynthesis, which creates and stores energy within the bulb for the next flowering cycle. Continue to place the plant in a sunny location and water it as you did during its active growth. Fertilizing monthly with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer helps the bulb build nutrients.

Transition to Dormancy

As summer progresses, you can move the potted plant outdoors to a spot that receives morning sun and afternoon shade. In late summer or early fall, bring the pot indoors before the first frost. Place it in a cool, dark, and dry location like a basement or closet, where temperatures are between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Stop watering the plant entirely.

The lack of light and water signals the bulb to enter dormancy, and the leaves will wither. Once the foliage has completely dried, cut it off close to the neck of the bulb. Let the bulb rest in these conditions for a minimum of eight to twelve weeks without water.

Waking the Bulb

Following the dormant period, restart the growing cycle by moving the pot back into a warm, brightly lit area. Give the soil a thorough watering. It can take several weeks for new growth to emerge from the top of the bulb. Once you see a new sprout, resume the same care routine you followed for the initial blooming period.

Common Amaryllis Problems

An amaryllis bulb may fail to produce a flower stalk due to insufficient energy storage from the previous season. This can happen if the leaves were removed too early or if the plant did not get enough light after blooming. A weak or floppy flower stalk can be a result of inadequate light during growth, causing the stalk to stretch as it reaches for a light source.

Overwatering is a frequent issue and the primary cause of bulb rot. If the soil is consistently soggy, the bulb can decay. Pests are not common on indoor amaryllis, but spider mites can sometimes appear in dry conditions. You might notice fine webbing on the leaves, which can be managed by wiping them with a damp cloth.

Amaryllis Toxicity

It is important to be aware that all parts of the amaryllis plant contain toxic compounds, particularly lycorine. Ingestion can cause adverse reactions in both humans and pets. The bulb contains the highest concentration of these toxins and poses the most significant risk. For this reason, amaryllis should be kept out of reach of children and pets, especially cats and dogs. If you suspect ingestion has occurred, contact a medical professional or veterinarian for guidance.