Amaryllis: Bulb Planting, Care Tips, and Flowering Guide

Amaryllis is known for its large, bright trumpet-shaped flowers and elegant, thick stems that can reach impressive heights. 

In Greek mythology, amaryllis meaning is associated with pride, honor, and determination. The name is associated with the love story of a shepherd and a girl Amaryllis, who fell in love with a shepherd, but he did not return her passion, and when the girl died, a flower grew in her place, which the shepherd later kept.

Some people say that this flower is moody, but experienced gardeners say it's worth it. It is also recommended to use Amaryllis as an accent plant - because of the bright petals, it will be a beautiful spot in the interior. 

But one of the most important tips for beginners is to study the information before buying any plant in order to identify plant and its needs.

Understanding Your Amaryllis Flower

Before you start thinking about planting, it's important to understand that not all amaryllis bulbs are the same. Most people come across one of two main types of bulbs when buying: ordinary bulbs without leaves or bulbs in pots, often covered with wax.

• Regular bulbs: They're just raw bulbs ready for planting. A high-quality, healthy, regular onion should feel firm and heavy in your hand, with dry skin. Sometimes you can already see the beginnings of a new sprout at the very top. Choosing a larger bulb usually leads to a larger number of peduncles and larger inflorescences.

• Waxed Amaryllis Bulbs: These modern bulbs are covered with a decorative layer of multi-colored wax and equipped with a small metal stand at the bottom. They do not require soil, water, or light to bloom, because all significant energy is stored inside the bulb itself. Although they are very easy to use, they are not intended for reuse as their wax coating prevents them from absorbing water or nutrients, making their long-term survival impossible.

Amaryllis Bulbs How to Plant

What You Will Need

• Amaryllis bulb: Select a large, firm bulb free of any soft spots or mould.

• A plant pot: How deep to plant amaryllis bulbs outside? Your pot should be about 1-5 cm wider than your bulb with drainage holes at the bottom. A pot that is only a few centimeters larger than the diameter of the bulb is ideal, since amaryllis plants tend to grow well when their roots are a little cramped.

• Potting soil: An excellent choice of soil would be a mixture intended for cacti, or a general-purpose mixture with the addition of coarse sand or perlite, since it protects the bulb from excessive moisture, which can lead to rotting.

• A small scoop or trowel: To make the planting process easier and less messy.

• Gravel or pot shards: To place at the bottom of the pot for extra drainage.

Tip: How do you plant amaryllis bulbs? If you aren’t sure about doing it right → take a picture of your amaryllis belladonna → upload it into any accurate Plant ID Apps, like the AI Plant Finder one → and get all the individual recommendations.

How to Plant Amaryllis Bulbs in Pots? The Planting Process

1. Half fill the pot with your chosen soil with good drainage.

2. Carefully place the onion in the center of the pot so that the pointed end points upward.

3. Carefully sprinkle the onion with earth, making sure that the top third of the bulb remains completely open and protrudes above the soil level. 

IMPORTANT that the neck of the bulb from which the stem will grow is not covered with soil.

4. Gently tamp the soil around the bulb with your hands to keep it stable and remove any large air plugs that could hold excess moisture.

5. After planting, water the soil with a very moderate amount of water - the goal is to keep the plant slightly moist, not wet.

6. Finally, protect from cold wind or drafts.

Amaryllis Care Tips

The Flowering Guide and Post-Bloom Care

The time from planting to flowering may vary, but usually it is about 6-8 weeks.

• The peduncle will grow tall and sturdy, and the buds will begin to swell slowly.

• The first flower will open, followed by others on the same stem. Amaryllis can have several peduncles, each with 2 to 4 buds.

• To keep your flowers looking beautiful longer, put the plant in a cool place and avoid direct sunlight during this period.

After the plant blooms, it is important to prepare it for the next season.

1. After all the flowers on the peduncle wither, cut off the peduncle, leaving about 2-3 centimeters above the bulb. Do not cut the leaves, so they can provide the bulb with nutrition and energy for the next year.

2. Place the plant in a bright, sunny place and water it regularly, making sure that the soil remains moist. This is the moment when you can start using fertilizers - the leaves will continue to grow and become long and lush.

3. Around the end of summer or early autumn, the leaves naturally begin to turn brown and die off as the plant prepares for a dormant period. At this time, watering and fertilizing the plant should be completely stopped.

4. Once the leaves are completely wilted, you can cut them off and move the pot to a cool, dark place, such as a basement or garage. The bulb needs to rest for about 8-10 weeks.

5. Transplanting for a new flowering: After the dormant period, the bulb can be retrieved. You can either plant it in fresh soil, or use the same soil again. Start the watering process and put the bulb in a sunny place to start the cycle anew.

Troubleshooting Common Amaryllis Problems

Drooping or yellowed leaves are a common sign of waterlogging. Check the soil, and if it is wet, stop watering immediately and let the soil dry out. Make sure that your pot has proper drainage.

If your bulb is healthy but not blooming, chances are it hasn't had a proper rest period. Make sure that the bulb is well rested in a cool, dark place for the required 8-10 weeks.

The stem is long and weak, which is a sign of insufficient lighting - the plant stretches out in search of sunlight. Move the pot to a brighter place, ideally on a south-facing window.  

Sometimes, amaryllis can be affected by pests such as mealybugs or red spider mites. If you notice tiny white spots on the red amaryllis plant leaves or spider-like material, you can gently remove the pests with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol.

How to Care for an Amaryllis Plant: Amaryllis Propagation

Cloning: As the amaryllis bulb matures, smaller "branches" can form on its surface, and when the plant is at rest, you can carefully separate these small bulbs from the mother plant. It may take several years for them to grow large enough and bloom.

Growing from seeds:  After pollination of the flower, for which you can use a small brush, a seed pod is formed. As soon as the box turns yellow and opens, you can collect the seeds. Plant the seeds in a shallow pan with soil, keep them moist and wait for them to germinate. Growing from seed can take 3 to 5 years before the plant is large enough to flower.

How to Plant Amaryllis Bulbs Outside and Inside

Amaryllis is a very versatile plant that can be grown both indoors in a pot or directly in the garden.

• Indoor cultivation: This is the most common way to grow amaryllis, especially for festive blooming. Such cultivation gives you full control over the light, temperature, and watering regime, which helps ensure successful flowering. 

• Outdoor cultivation: When to plant amaryllis bulbs outside depends on climate. If you live in a warm climate, you can plant amaryllis bulbs directly in your garden in spring. When planting outdoors, choose a location with good drainage and plenty of sun. You can plant them at the same depth as in the pot.

Frequently Asked Questions

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