How to Grow Amaryllis Bulbs
Amaryllis is one of the most magnificent bulb plants you can grow indoors. Their colorful, dinner plate-sized flowers are held high above the strap-like foliage on sturdy stems that grow up to 24 inches high. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Choose amaryllis bulbs for planting in the fall or early winter. Look for firm bulbs with no scars, nicks or visible damage.
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Plant amaryllis bulbs (Hippeastrum) in clay pots in rich, sandy potting soil. Amend the soil with superphosphate or bone meal.
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Allow 2 inches between the bulb and the edge of the pot. The upper 1/2 of the bulb should be above the surface of the soil. Leave space between the surface of the soil and the rim of the pot for watering.
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Tamp the potted bulb gently to settle it into the pot and to firm the soil. Mature amaryllis are heavy and will topple if not properly seated in the soil åÊåÊ
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Soak the pot in a basin of water until bubbles stop rising. The initial watering will encourage roots to grow.
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Keep the soil barely moist until the foliage begins to grow to prevent root rot.
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Place the pot in a location that receives bright, indirect light. The bulb will begin to grow in one or two weeks.
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Keep the soil moist once the foliage appears. When the flower bud appears, turn the pot daily so that the flower-bearing stalk grows straight.
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Use a bamboo stake to support the stem if it appears weak or floppy. Be very careful not to pierce the bulb when inserting the stake into the pot.
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Cut off flowers once they begin to fade. Sometimes a new flower bud will follow.
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Continue regular watering once the plant stops blooming. Treat it as an honored guest with regular applications of fertilizer. Strong foliage means strong bulbs for next year's flowers.
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Cut back on watering in late summer. When the foliage dries completely, withhold water and allow plants to dry out while the bulbs "rest." Repot again in late fall or early winter, following the above steps.
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Tips & Warnings
Select the largest bulbs you can afford. Large bulbs mean big flowers.
Amaryllis bulbs are pricey, but they are perennial and will come back year after year when cared for properly.
Too much water just after planting may cause bulbs to rot. Keep the soil just barely moist until foliage appears.
Amaryllis are top heavy when in bloom. Place them where they are safe from prowling pussy cats.
