Amaryllis - 'you are so beautiful'

The Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) is a true bulb that originated in the tropical areas of South America. Thus, it is a tender bulb.

An amaryllis performs best when grown under warm (70 to 75 oF) temperatures for 9 to 10 months to promote flowering and vegetative growth, followed by 2 to 3 months of either cool (55 oF) dry storage or cool (55 oF) growing conditions.

The use of one of the latter conditions is required to promote reflowering of the bulb.


Most marketed bulbs sold are greater than 8 inches in circumference. They produce 2 to 6 flowers per floral stalk, with the average being 4. Very large amaryllis bulbs normally produce 2 flower stalks.

Flower colors are red, white, pink, orange, salmon, and bicolored (mostly whites with pink or red flushes). Plant heights range from 18 to 36 inches, blooming amaryllis are always a great display.

Indoor Growing of New or Replanted


Planting --Plant in a well-drained, pH 6 to 6.5, sterilized potting medium. Do not use a medium that contains pine bark! An equal mixture of peat and perlite is excellent. Use a standard-depth (6-inch diameter) pot that has adequate drainage holes. Carefully plant the bulb, with 1/3 being above the rim of the pot.

Watering -- After planting, thoroughly wet the medium with lukewarm water. Then keep it moist, but not wet. Don't over-water! Initially, once per week is usually adequate. Avoid watering over the bulb nose.

Temperatures -- Initially grow at 70 to 75F until bulb begins to root and the leaves and floral stalk(s) begin to grow. Afterwards, any temperature from 65 to 75 oF can be used. When in flower, the coolest area in the home is best.

Light -- In the home, the plant should be kept in a well-lighted area. A southern exposure is best. When plant is flowering, keep it out of direct sunlight. This helps to promote a longer flower life.

Fertilization -- After the plant begins to grow, fertilization is essential. Use either a complete nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium slow- release fertilizer that lasts several months or a liquid fertilizer, 2 to 4 times per month.

Flower Removal -- As the flowers fade, carefully cut them off.

Flowering Stalk Removal -- After all flowers fade, carefully cut the floral stalk off just above the bulb nose. Take care that the water that normally runs out of the freshly cut stalk does not run onto furniture, etc.

Best quality. Lowest prices. Large quantity of different flower bulbs finest quality bulbs, guaranteed to grow and bloom!

Find a great variety of many different containers from Windowbox.com

Learn the proper way to care for house plants

>>related articles