Amaryllis bulb care: planting, growing, and blooming tips

The amaryllis is a beloved indoor plant known for its bright, beautiful flowers that add a festive touch to the home during the holidays. However, proper amaryllis care is essential if you want to enjoy repeat blooms the following year. Here’s our guide on growing amaryllis and getting it to bloom again.

When and how to plant an amaryllis bulb

If you want your amaryllis in bloom for Christmas, plant the bulb about two months before the holidays, around mid-October. This allows for the 6–8 weeks needed between planting and flowering.

Choose a large bulb: The larger the bulb, the more spectacular the amaryllis flowers will be. Look for bulbs with a good root base, which indicates strong growth potential.
Choose a pot: Use a pot that is 2–3 inches (5–7 cm) wider than the bulb. Make sure it has drainage holes.
Fill the pot: Fill the pot halfway with high-quality indoor potting soil, such as the Indoor Plant Potting Mix.
Position the bulb: Place the bulb in the center; spread the roots gently; and add soil around it. Make sure to leave the top third of the bulb exposed above the soil.
Water lightly: After planting, water the bulb sparingly.

How to care for an indoor amaryllis after planting and during the blooming period

Once your amaryllis bulb is planted, here’s how to care for it to encourage healthy growth and vibrant blooms:

Lighting: Place your amaryllis in a bright location but avoid direct sunlight.
Watering: Water moderately to keep the soil slightly moist between watering sessions. Avoid overwatering it, which could cause root rot.
Temperature: Maintain a room temperature between 65–75°F (18-24°C). Avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature changes.

The flower buds should show themselves within 4–6 weeks of planting. You can speed up the amaryllis flowering by placing it in a warmer area (75–78°F/24–26°C) or slow it down by moving it to a cooler spot (59–64°F/15–18°C). Cooler temperatures will also help extend the blooming period.

How long do amaryllis flowers last?

Each amaryllis flower stem can produce 2–6 blooms that will open successively over a period of 2–3 weeks. Depending on the variety, stems can reach up to 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) tall, with flowers up to 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter, a real treat for the eyes. Generally speaking, you can enjoy stunning blooms from December through January, or even into February, especially if you’ve chosen a large bulb and provided it with the proper plant care.

How to keep an amaryllis bulb and make it bloom again the next year

Although the first bloom of an amaryllis bulb is fairly easy to achieve, getting it to bloom again the following year can be more challenging. For spectacular flowers year after year, it’s often simpler to purchase a new bulb each fall. However, if you’re ready to take on the challenge, here’s how to do it:

Cut the flower stems: After the last bloom has faded, cut the yellowed stems close to the bulb, being careful not to damage the leaves.
Provide water, fertilizer, and sunlight: Water regularly and fertilize every two weeks from March to July with a balanced fertilizer. Ensure your amaryllis plant receives adequate sunlight. During the summer, you can move your amaryllis outdoors to a shaded spot, under a tree for example, and switch to a potassium-rich fertilizer. These methods will help the bulb get its strength up for the next bloom.
Cut the leaves and stop watering: In late August, trim any yellowed foliage near the bulb, and stop watering and fertilizing.
Respect dormancy: After trimming the leaves, keep the plant in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a basement or insulated garage, at around 59°F/15°C for 2–3 months.
Watch for growth in November: When a new shoot appears on the bulb, it’s ready to come out of dormancy. Move it back to a sunny spot indoors and resume watering.

By following our tips, your indoor amaryllis should not only survive but thrive and bloom beautifully year after year. If you’re also interested in making other seasonal plants like poinsettias and orchids rebloom, check out our articles on How to Get Orchids to Bloom Again and Tips and Advice to Maintain Your Christmas Star.

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How to Plant and Care for Your Amaryllis Bulb and Get It to Bloom Again

When and how to plant an amaryllis bulb

How to care for an indoor amaryllis after planting and during the blooming period

How long do amaryllis flowers last?

How to keep an amaryllis bulb and make it bloom again the next year