Amaryllis

Hippeastrum spp. · Flower

Quick answer: Water: When top 2 in are dry; when the top 2 in of soil are dry; never let it stand in water. Light: Sunny window while growing; out of direct sun once buds open. Soil: Fresh, well-drained potting mix rich in organic matter. Pets: ASPCA lists amaryllis as toxic to cats and dogs; eating it can cause vomiting, diarrhea and drooling. Keep pots and loose bulbs out of reach; if in doubt, ask your vet.

A big bulb that throws up a tall stalk of huge trumpet flowers in winter. Sold as 'amaryllis', it is really Hippeastrum. Potted in autumn it blooms for the holidays, and with summer care and a cool rest the same bulb can flower again for years.

Care at a glance

Light

Sunny window while growing; out of direct sun once buds open

Water

When the top 2 in of soil are dry; never let it stand in water

Soil

Fresh, well-drained potting mix rich in organic matter

Temperature

Room temperature, 65–75 °F (estimated); rest at 45–60 °F

Pot size

About 1 in wider than the bulb, twice its height

Container

Narrow, heavy pot with drainage holes

Bloom

4–6 weeks after growth starts; flowers 4–10 in across

Lifespan

Perennial bulb; repot every 3–4 years

When?

For December flowers, pot the bulb in late October to early November (estimated), since it blooms about 4–6 weeks after it starts growing. Keep it indoors in winter; it can spend summer outdoors only after the danger of frost has passed.

Step by step

1. Choose a large, firm bulb with no mold or soft spots; bigger bulbs give more flowers.
2. Set it in the pot so one-third to one-half of the bulb stays above the soil, leaving about 1 in below the rim.
3. Water once thoroughly, then only when the top 2 in are dry; place it in a sunny window.
4. November–December: when buds show color, move it out of direct sun to a cooler spot so flowers last longer.
5. Cut off faded flowers before seed forms; leave the stalk until it yellows and keep all leaves.
6. Grow it in the sunniest spot through spring and summer, outdoors after frost with at least 6 hours of sun; feed only as the product label says.
7. For the next bloom, rest the bulb dry and dark at 45–60 °F for 8–12 weeks; remove leaves once they yellow.
8. Then bring it to a sunny window and start watering; new flowers follow in about 4–6 weeks.

Common problems

Pets

ASPCA lists amaryllis as toxic to cats and dogs; eating it can cause vomiting, diarrhea and drooling. Keep pots and loose bulbs out of reach; if in doubt, ask your vet.

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