How to Care For Amaryllis

Amaryllis is a popular plant to enjoy during the Christmas season. Most indoor gardeners plant the bulbs in pots around Thanksgiving to enjoy beautiful blooms at holiday time. Amaryllis is native to Central and South America and can be grown outdoors in planting zones 8 to 10. See our tips on how to care for amaryllis.

What bloom colors are available?

Amaryllis plants are available in three colors:

• Red
• Pink with spotting and banding
• White with spotting and banding

The plant produces one or more tall, leafless stems. Two to six showy flowers bloom atop each stem. Slim green leaves begin to show when the flowers open.

When should I plant amaryllis bulbs?

Plant amaryllis bulbs in pots between mid-fall and late winter. For a continuation of blooms, plant a bulb in a pot every week or so. You’ll enjoy beautiful flowers over several weeks.

What type of pot should I use?

Grow amaryllis in a pot or container that measures at least 6 inches to 8 inches wide. Choose a heavy pot made of ceramic or clay. A lightweight pot may topple under the weight of the blooms.

Use a container that has a drainage hole so excess moisture will drain from the pot.

How long does it take for an amaryllis plant to bloom?

Amaryllis will bloom approximately five weeks after planting. To enjoy flowers at Christmas, plant the bulbs in the last week of November. Keep in mind some varieties may take longer to bloom. Check the plant label before you buy.

How tall does amaryllis grow?

Amaryllis plants grow to a height of approximately 12 to 18 inches tall and a width of 9 inches.

How do I plant an amaryllis bulb?

1. Add a little water to the potting mix, so it is slightly damp.
2. Add a couple of inches of soil to the pot.
3. Place the bulb with the pointed end up in the potting mix.
4. Place the bulb in the soil, so one-third of the bulb shows above the soil line.
5. Add or remove soil underneath the bulb, so it sets at the correct height.
6. Gently firm the soil around the bulb.

Will amaryllis grow outdoors?

Amaryllis will grow outdoors in warmer planting zones (8 to 10). Start bulbs indoors in early spring and move them outside in late spring for early summer bloom.

Should I deadhead my amaryllis plant?

You can if you choose. Carefully trim spent flowers. When all flowers have faded, cut the stem a few inches above the bulb.

My amaryllis is getting tall. Should I stake it?

Some varieties can get top-heavy, so poke an amaryllis stake in the soil to keep the plant from leaning.

Amaryllis Care

Sun Requirements

Amaryllis thrives in bright, indirect light. Place the plant where it will receive morning sun, such as an east-facing window. Keep it away from the direct afternoon sun. Encourage the stems to grow upright by turning the pot regularly.

Moisture Needs

Water lightly until you notice 2 inches of growth. Then water regularly.

Fertilization

Adding fertilizer isn’t necessary as the flower bulb contains all the nutrients the plant requires to grow.

The stored bulb contains all the “food” your amaryllis needs to sprout and bloom. If you decide to keep your amaryllis for next year, care for it like your other houseplants.

Pests and Disease

Mealybugs can be a problem. Check out our top tips on removing mealybugs here.  Snails can also damage amaryllis planted outdoors.

Did you know? The plant’s name comes from the Greek words ‘hippos’ (horse) and ‘hippeus’ (rider), possibly because the ancient Greeks thought the flower resembled a horse’s head.