How to Grow Amaryllis

Often forced into bloom to brighten the winter holiday season, Amaryllis is a tropical plant of South American origins that blooms naturally in the spring. The exotic flowers of the Amaryllis plant can be found in a wide variety of colors and in sizes ranging from miniature blooms to very large and showy ones. Although the Amaryllis bulb is a tender one that must be guarded against harsh weather in colder climates, it is relatively easy to grow either indoors or out, making a lovely addition to any home or garden.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Knowing how to pick bulbs that are in the best possible condition is the first step in learning how to grow Amaryllis. The largest bulbs are generally the most promising ones, but be sure that they are heavy for their size and plump. Also, to ensure the best chance of success, your bulbs should have a few roots left on the bottom. Check for soft spots, unpleasant smells, or mold, to ensure that your bulbs are healthy and free of rot.

2. Preparing the correct type of soil for your Amaryllis is the next step in growing Amaryllis sucessfully, and perhaps the most important one. Choosing a mixture that drains well is imperative to ensure that the bulb remains healthy, as too much standing moisture can cause it to rot or mold. Using a good potting mix with equal parts of peat moss and perlite is ideal.

3. Choose a pot in which to grow your Amaryllis plant that allows approximately an inch of space around the bulb. Soak the roots of the bulb in water for about an hour, then place in the soil filled pot with its crown, the top third of a large bulb, above the soil line. Water your newly planted Amaryllis bulb well and place it in a warm and sunny spot, preferably one that stays around 70 to 75 degrees.

4. Keeping the soil damp, but not soggy, will help to ensure the growth of a healthy Amaryllis plant. Blooming should begin approximately six to eight weeks after planting. Moving the Amaryllis to a slightly cooler location once it begins to flower can help extend the life of its blossoms, with a temperature of around 65 degrees ideal. Removing flowers that have faded will help keep your Amaryllis at its finest throughout the blooming period, and after the flowers have gone, caring for the plant until the foliage turns yellow and wilts away will ensure a healthy bulb for next year's beautiful Amaryllis blooms.