How to Propagate Amaryllis From Cuttage

Amaryllis flowers grow on long stalks.

Amaryllis flowers are widespread in home gardens because of their bright colors and ease of growth. Also known as naked ladies or Belladonna lilies, although the flower is not a true lily, the amaryllis can be grown from cuttage. Cuttage involves splitting the bulb of the flower into several sections, and each section can be grown into its own plant. Growing amaryllis from cuttage is a way to control the growing conditions of the flower throughout the early stages of its life.

Things You'll Need

• Planters
• Plotting soil
• Amaryllis cuttage
• Fertilizer

Instructions

1. Fill a planter with potting soil. Use a large enough planter to accommodate the adult plant, as it is possible to grow the amaryllis flower indoors for two to three years before transplanting outdoors.

2. Prepare one planter for each section of the amaryllis cuttage, to prevent crowding. Amaryllis plants that grow too close together will compete for nutrients, which can result in weaker plants.

3. Dig a small hole in the planter for each cuttage section. Place the root end of the cuttage into the hole and cover two-thirds of the bulb, leaving one-third exposed. This is where the flower will emerge.

4. Add fertilizer to the planter if necessary. The amount of fertilizer added will depend on the size of the planter and how much dirt is present. Follow all directions on the fertilizer to get the best results.

5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 with the other planters and amaryllis cuttage sections, if more than one plant is desired.

6. Water the amaryllis bulb regularly. Water cautiously, as too much water will drown the young plant. The soil should be moist to the touch. Water the amaryllis bulb once a week or more often if the soil begins to dry out.

7. Keep the amaryllis cuttage growing in an area that receives partial sunlight. Direct sunlight can scorch the plant and dry it out too quickly.

8. Harvest the seeds produced by the pollinating flower. It will take several weeks for the amaryllis bulb to flower and produce seeds. Harvest the seeds when the seed pods begin to break open.

9. Place the amaryllis seeds in a planter filled with potting soil. Water the seeds. Amaryllis flowers grown from seeds should be grown indoors for a full year before being transplanted outside.

References

• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Amaryllis
• University of Nebraska Lincoln Extension: Guide to Growing Amaryllis
• University of Missouri Extension: Herbaceous Ornamentals
• Clemson University Cooperative Extension: Amaryllis
• Iowa State University Extension: Care of the Amaryllis After Flowering
• University of Illinois Extension: Caring for Your Amaryllis

Resources

• University of Illinois Extension: Spring Flowering Bulbs
• Iowa State University Extension: Growing Amaryllis