RECOMMENDED USDA GROWING ZONES: 9–11 (OUTDOORS)
1. Plant your Amaryllis bulb
Choose a sturdy container with drainage holes that is only slightly wider than the bulb. Fill it with well-drained potting mix and position the bulb with its roots facing downward. Leave approximately the upper third to half of the bulb exposed above the soil rather than burying it completely. Water thoroughly after planting and allow excess water to drain.
For indoor growing, place the newly planted bulb somewhere warm where temperatures remain above 60°F. Temperatures around 70–80°F encourage faster growth. Gentle bottom heat, such as a propagation mat, can also help stimulate growth.
Growth generally begins within 2–8 weeks, although some varieties take longer. As long as the bulb remains firm and healthy, be patient rather than trying to encourage growth with additional water.
2. Water carefully and provide plenty of light
Amaryllis bulbs are particularly vulnerable to overwatering before active growth begins. After the initial watering, water only when the upper inch of potting mix feels dry. Never allow the container to remain waterlogged.
Once growth appears, move the plant to a sunny location, such as a bright south-facing window or sunroom. Rotate the pot regularly as the flower stalk develops to prevent it from leaning strongly toward the light.
As the flowers begin opening, moving the plant to a slightly cooler location away from intense direct sunlight can help the blooms last longer.
3. Growing Amaryllis in stones and water
Amaryllis can also be grown without soil using stones and water. Fill a suitable container with approximately 4 inches of clean river stones or pebbles. Before planting, trim away roots that are brown and dried, while leaving healthy, fleshy white roots intact.
Position the bulb roots-down on the stones and carefully add additional stones around it for support, leaving approximately the upper third of the bulb exposed.
Add water until the level reaches about 1 inch below the base of the bulb. Do not allow the bulb itself to sit in water, as constant contact with water can cause it to rot. Maintain the water level below the bulb as the plant grows.
Optional aquarium charcoal can be mixed with the stones to help keep the water fresh and reduce odors.
4. Care for your Amaryllis after flowering
After the final flower fades, remove the spent flowers and cut back the flower stalk, but do not remove the green leaves. The foliage produces the energy the bulb needs to replenish itself and flower again.
Place the plant in a sunny window and continue watering whenever the upper inch of potting mix becomes dry. Feed approximately once a month with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer while the plant is actively growing.
After the danger of frost has passed in spring, the plant can be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions. Keep the pot outdoors in a sunny location or plant the bulb in the ground where the climate permits. Continue normal watering and feeding throughout its active growth period.
5. Prepare the bulb to bloom again
Amaryllis bulbs can be kept and encouraged to flower again. After a full season of healthy leaf growth has allowed the bulb to rebuild its energy reserves, a cool resting period can be used to initiate another bloom cycle.
In fall, gradually stop watering and allow the foliage to yellow and die back. Once the foliage has died, cut it off just above the bulb. Store the dormant bulb or pot in a cool, dry, dark location around 50–55°F for approximately 8–10 weeks. Do not water during this resting period.
After the rest period, repot if necessary, move the bulb to a warm, bright location, and water it to begin a new growth cycle. Thereafter, keep the potting mix on the dry side until new growth appears. With proper post-bloom care, a healthy Amaryllis bulb can produce beautiful flowers for many seasons.
