Amaryllis flowers are some of the most striking blooms you can grow indoors, especially during the colder months when most gardens lie dormant. With their bold trumpet-shaped blossoms and tall green stalks, these showstoppers add a burst of color and cheer to any home. Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or a beginner just dipping into indoor gardening, growing amaryllis doesn’t require much space—just the right know-how. In this guide, we’ll walk through 7 essential tactics to help your amaryllis thrive year after year, from choosing the healthiest bulbs to encouraging a second bloom.
Table of Contents
1. Choose Healthy Bulbs
Success with amaryllis flowers starts with selecting the best bulbs. When shopping, look for bulbs that are large, plump, and free of blemishes or mold. A healthy bulb should feel firm to the touch—never soft or mushy. Size matters here: the larger the bulb, the more flower stalks it can produce, often resulting in more blooms per season.
Avoid any bulbs with shriveled skins, soft spots, or visible damage. These are signs of decay or poor storage and could lead to disappointment instead of dazzling flowers. Spending a little more on a premium bulb is well worth the spectacular display you’ll enjoy in return.
2. Plant at the Right Time
Timing is everything when it comes to growing amaryllis flowers successfully. The ideal window for planting is late fall to early winter, typically from October through early December. Planting during this period allows the bulbs to bloom indoors during the heart of winter, providing a vibrant splash of color when outdoor gardens are fast asleep.
This schedule also aligns with the bulb’s natural cycle, helping it grow strong roots before blooming. If you’re aiming for Christmas or New Year’s blooms, count back about 6–8 weeks from your desired flowering time and plant accordingly. Starting too late may delay or reduce blooming.
3. Pick the Perfect Spot
Where you place your amaryllis flowers can make or break their success. These bulbs thrive in bright, indirect sunlight—think of a well-lit windowsill that gets gentle morning light but avoids the scorching afternoon sun. Direct, harsh rays can burn the leaves and dry out the soil too quickly.
A south- or east-facing window usually works best. If the light is too low, you might notice slow growth or leaning stems as the plant stretches toward the light. Rotate the pot every few days to keep the stalks straight and balanced, and avoid placing them near drafty windows or heating vents.
4. Water Wisely
Proper watering is one of the most critical steps in caring for amaryllis flowers. These bulbs are prone to rot if overwatered, especially before they sprout. At the start, water sparingly—just enough to keep the soil barely moist. Once you see green shoots, you can increase watering slightly.
A good rule is to let the top inch of soil dry out before adding more water. Stick your finger into the soil to check. Avoid letting the bulb sit in standing water, and always use pots with drainage holes. Consistent but cautious watering encourages strong root growth and vibrant blooms.
5. Support the Stalks
As amaryllis flowers grow, their tall, hollow stalks can become top-heavy—especially when those large, showy blooms start to open. Without proper support, they may lean or even snap under their own weight.
To prevent this, use a small stake, plant support ring, or even a bamboo skewer gently tied with soft twine or fabric. Insert the stake early, before the stalk gets too tall, so you don’t risk damaging the roots later. Keeping the plant upright not only protects it from damage but also makes your amaryllis look tidy and elegant on display.
6. Feed Your Bulbs
To get the most out of your amaryllis flowers, a little feeding goes a long way. Once the leaves begin to grow, start applying a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks. Look for a fertilizer labeled 10-10-10 or similar, which provides an even mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Always follow the package instructions to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to salt buildup in the soil. Feeding your plant regularly supports healthy leaf growth and gives the bulb the nutrients it needs to produce bigger, brighter blooms—and store energy for next season’s show.
7. Encourage Re-blooming
With the right care, your amaryllis flowers can bloom again year after year. After the flowers fade, snip off the flower stalks near the base—but leave the green leaves intact. These leaves are vital for photosynthesis and help the bulb store energy for the next blooming cycle.
Continue to water and feed the plant as usual through spring and summer. Once the leaves begin to yellow naturally, reduce watering and allow the plant to go dormant. Place the bulb in a cool, dark spot (around 50–55°F) for 8–10 weeks. After this rest period, repot it in fresh soil, water lightly, and move it back to a bright spot to start the growth cycle all over again.
Conclusion
Growing amaryllis flowers is both rewarding and surprisingly simple when you follow the right steps. By choosing healthy bulbs, timing your planting correctly, and providing thoughtful care throughout the season, you can enjoy bold, breathtaking blooms indoors during the dreariest months. With a bit of extra attention after flowering, these stunning plants will come back year after year—stronger and more beautiful each time. Happy planting!