We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Home

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How Do I Grow Amaryllis Bulbs?

By Christina Hall
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 5,035
Share

Amaryllis bulbs are grown in bright indirect sunlight and soil with a large amount of sand content. The plant is often started indoors in a clay pot. Amaryllis bulbs are planted in nutrient-dense soil, and sometimes fertilizer is added to encourage growth and prolonged blooming of the flowers. As the shoot matures, it can be held up with a wooden stake, as the flower can get heavy and the stem is relatively thin and flimsy. Also, bone meal or superphosphate can be purchased to fertilize the plant and add the essential nutrient, phosphorus.

Choose amaryllis bulbs that have no signs of visible damage, and plant a single bulb in the clay pot with the soil amended with the bone meal or superphosphate. Be sure to leave 2 inches (5.08 cm) of space between the edge of the clay pot and the amaryllis bulbs, and leave half of the upper portion of the bulb uncovered. Also, only fill the pot partly full with soil, which will allow for ample watering of the plant. Next, gently press the soil and the bulb down to ensure the soil is lightly compressed and the bulb is set. Light, rather than heavy, compression will help prevent toppling as the plant matures.

For the initial watering, soak the whole pot in water, in a sink, bathtub, or other large shallow container. Wait until the pot stops bubbling before removing it, as this will ensure that the roots have been adequately watered. From this point on, be sure to keep the soil moist, but not oversaturated, to prevent rotting of the roots. Finally, place the pot in an area of bright, indirect sunlight, and growth should be seen in as little as one to two weeks.

As the plant grows, the flowers will begin to bloom atop of the stems as they become more robust. Amaryllis will often grow to 2 feet (0.6 m) in height. The leaves begin at the base of the bulb and fan out from the base of the stem. A white, fleshy substance surrounds and protects the amaryllis bulb and provides food for the plant to thrive. This inherent food source makes regular fertilizing usually unnecessary.

When transferring an amaryllis plant to an outdoor setting, it is important to keep the whole of the root system intact. This is especially important for the amaryllis plant because some nutrients are actually stored within the root system. The bulbs should be harvested before the first frost of winter to ensure their survival.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-do-i-grow-amaryllis-bulbs.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.