How to Grow Amaryllis Bulbs in Water

Amaryllis are grown from bulbs and are some of the more exotic blooms available. Amaryllis plants are tropical, so the bulb will not need to be chilled before forcing. Blooms can last for more than a month if the plant is kept in a sunny but cool room and out of direct sunlight. Though amaryllis bulbs and plants are usually seen at Christmas, the bulbs are available all year. Using a glass container to force the amaryllis bulbs is a great way to show children how plants grow.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Shallow container no deeper than 4 inches
• Gravel or stones
• Amaryllis bulbs
• Water
• or
• A vase or a forcing vase
• Amaryllis bulbs
• Water

Using a Shallow Container

1. Select a wide, shallow container no deeper than 4 inches with enough room to fit as many amaryllis bulbs as you want. Fill it halfway with gravel or stones.

2. Place the amaryllis bulbs in the container, leaving about 1/2 inch space around the bulb.

3. Carefully place gravel or stones around the bulbs until only the top 1/3 of the bulbs is visible. The gravel holds the bulbs steady and ensures that they remain upright.

4. Add enough water to the container to fill the bottom but not touch the bulbs. The roots will grow down into the water.

5. Place the container in a cool, dark room until you see root and top growth, about 2 to 3 weeks. Check the water level daily. The room should remain at 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Using a basement or unheated garage is ideal.

6. Move the container into a bright room, but keep it out of direct sunlight. The bulbs will bloom best if temperatures do not exceed 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and do not fall below 60 degrees at night.

7. Check the water level daily. It should still not reach the bulbs. The amaryllis will bloom in 6 to 8 weeks after being moved into the bright room and should last for 4 to 6 weeks.

Using a Glass Vase

8. Select a glass vase narrow enough to keep the amaryllis bulb in the neck, or use a forcing vase.

9. Fill the bottom of the vase with water.

10. Place the bulb in the vase, making sure it does not touch the water.

11. Place the vase in a cool, dark room until you see root and top growth, about 2 to 3 weeks.

12. Move the vase into a bright room but keep it out of direct light. You will have blooms in 6 to 8 weeks.

Tips & Warnings

• Using a glass container will allow you to more easily adjust the water and monitor root growth. Keeping the bulbs in a bright, cool room will prolong blooming. Use bulbs that are large and firm when squeezed. Amaryllis bulbs are available year-round from mail order catalogs.
• Do not fertilize your bulbs; this will cause excessive leaf and stalk growth and may keep the bulb from blooming. Do not allow the bulbs to sit in water, as this will cause them to rot. Dispose of bulbs after blooming and clean the gravel and container with bleach.

Resources

• Amaryllis bulbs and information
• Order amaryllis bulbs