How to Plant and Care for Amaryllis Bulbs

Easily grown indoors, amaryllis are a good choice to brighten your home during the dark days of winter. It takes anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks after planting for the blooms to appear, so now's the time to get started. 

These stunning plants come in a variety of colors including red, pink, white, maroon, and many more! They are a favorite gift plant because they add reliable beauty when grown in containers. 

When choosing a bulb, it’s important to consider quality and size. Look for bulbs that are firm and still have some of their natural papery covering. Amaryllis bulbs are sized from small to X-large. Generally, the larger the bulb size, the more stalks and blooms it will produce.  

Once you've chosen the bulbs you want to start, it's time to pick out a container. Ceramic, clay or plastic pots will all work but it’s important the container you select has good drainage. It's also important to know that amaryllis like to be snug in their pot, so select a container that's about an inch or so larger than the bulb and is deep enough for the roots to grow.

Next, add damp potting soil to the bottom third of the pot. Place the bulb in the center of the pot and spread the roots out so they fan out from the center of the bulb. Do the best you can with the roots. You're mainly trying to keep them from bunching up under the bulb. Fill in around the bulb with more damp potting soil, leaving the top third of the bulb uncovered. Water thoroughly and place the planted bulb in a warm, well-lit location.  

 

Once the flower stalk begins to appear, you can start feeding your bulb with a blooming fertilizer such as 15-30-15. Plan to fertilize every two weeks and water frequently enough to keep the soil moist.   

As the flowers start to fade, cut them off. This is to prevent seeds from forming. Wait until the flower stalk starts to turn yellow before removing it.  

 

When you do cut off the flower stalk, be careful not to remove any leaves. The leaves are necessary to create energy for the bulb, so it will rebloom. Place the amaryllis in a bright indoor location and water regularly, along with your other houseplants. Fertilize monthly with 15-30-15 plant food.   

 

Amaryllis can also be grown in water. Select a container that doesn’t drain, add stones or gravel to the bottom of the pot and place your amaryllis bulb in the center of the container.  Next, add water to the container to reach the base of the bulb. Choose a warm, bright location for your bulb and maintain the water level throughout the growing and blooming cycle. For colorful blooms throughout the holidays, plant an amaryllis bulb every three to four weeks, starting now. 

 

Make the holidays merry and bright with this extraordinary winter flower!