Amaryllis

Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) is a popular flowering plant, known for its large, trumpet-shaped blooms in a variety of colors. Typically grown indoors, it’s especially popular during the winter holiday season. Amaryllis is a relatively easy-to-care-for plant, especially with its annual bloom cycle.

Light

  • Preferred light: Bright, indirect light is ideal for Amaryllis.

  • Avoid: Direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves, particularly during the warmer months. Too little light can cause the plant to become leggy and weak.

  • Placement: Place your Amaryllis near a south or west-facing window, where it can receive plenty of indirect light. However, it can also adapt to lower light conditions after flowering.

Watering

  • Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry. When in the active growing phase (during bloom), water thoroughly.

  • Watering once a week is typically enough when the plant is actively growing. During the dormant phase (post-bloom), water less frequently.

Temperature

  • Amaryllis thrives in temperatures between 60-70°F. During its growing period, it prefers warmer conditions.

  • During blooming: Ideal bloom temperatures are 65-70°F. Too cool a temperature can slow down blooming or cause the flowers to drop prematurely.

  • Dormancy: After the blooming period, Amaryllis can be kept in slightly cooler temperatures (around 50-55°F) to induce dormancy.

Soil

  • Well-draining, loose, and slightly acidic soil. A general-purpose potting mix mixed with perlite or sand works well.

Fertilization

  • During the growing season (spring and early summer), fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (such as 10-10-10)

  • Use a diluted fertilizer to avoid overfeeding. You can also use a liquid fertilizer designed for flowering bulbs.

  • Avoid: Over-fertilizing, as this can lead to poor flowering or excessive leaf growth at the expense of blooms.

Blooming

  • Amaryllis typically blooms 6-8 weeks after planting the bulb. Flowers generally appear in late winter to early spring, making it a popular choice for holiday displays.

  • For best blooms, ensure the plant is getting adequate light, water, and nutrients. Avoid disturbing the bulb while it’s blooming.

  • Once flowers begin to fade, cut the flower stalk back to the base to encourage a healthier plant. Do not cut the leaves, as they help feed the bulb for the next bloom cycle.

 Post-Bloom Care (Dormancy)

  • After blooming, Amaryllis needs a rest period to store energy for the next bloom cycle. Cut the flower stalk back, but leave the leaves intact. The plant will begin to yellow and die back naturally.

  • Reduce watering and stop fertilizing as the leaves yellow and the plant goes into dormancy. You can move it to a cooler location (50-55°F), but make sure the bulb remains in a dry environment during this time.

  • Typically, Amaryllis requires about 8-10 weeks of dormancy before it can start growing and flowering again.