So easy to grow, amaryllis bulbs are the perfect go-to gift. It will continue to grow long, smooth leaves. Q: My amaryllis bulbs are growing well outside. Whether purchasing a bare bulb to plant or bulbs planted in a pot, the size and condition of bulbs will influence amaryllis performance. They're slow growers that do best in … Bulb arrives in the first stages of growth. Buy healthy bulbs. The temperature should be around 50-60 degrees. In the former case, they are used as specimen plants or border plants. Like the Christmas cactus, another favorite, this tropical beauty thrives indoors with minimal care and flaunts spectacular long-lasting winter flowers. Flowers usually develop in about 4 to 6 weeks from dormant bulbs. If the bulb is planted … However, it is possible to save the amaryllis and force it to flower on an annual basis. A popular indoor plant in the winter and spring is the amaryllis, with large lily-shaped flowers on tall stems. Bulbs should be firm and dry with no signs of mold, decay or injury. Amaryllis grow best in narrow containers. The narcissus bulb fly (Merodon spp.) These leaves will promote photosynthesis. As long as your bulb remains firm, be patient and take care not to overwater. These numbers represent the percentage of each of three important macronutrients for plant growth: N (nitrogen) – P (phosphorous) – K (potassium). Unlike some other bulbs, amaryllis do not require a rest or dormant period. The temperature should be around 50-60 degrees. If after 8 to 12 weeks, no new growth has appeared, remove the potted bulb from the dark and place in a sunny location. These plants do well anywhere in South Florida, growing about 2 feet tall overall (flower stalks can add another 8 to 12 inches of height). You can keep the pots indoors, or set … You can care for amaryllis flowers in garden beds or in household pots, planting in spring or fall. If found, treat with a fungicide or consider throwing away the bulb. PLACEMENT: Direct sunlight (65-75°F). This will help build up nutrients in the bulb for flower production the next year. The diameter of the pot should be about 1 inch wider than the widest part of the bulb and twice as tall as the bulb to allow space for good root development. The plant blooms once per year on a tall stem. Larger bulbs produce more flowers. Because the amaryllis produces such brilliantly-colored flowers, many people put them in their homes in the winter. Ongoing Care for Amaryllis After flowering, cut back the flower stems to 2 inches high but don't remove the leaves. Usually, one or more flower stalks appear first, but occasionally they are preceded by leaves. Amaryllis plants bloom best when they grow in a container with little extra space (potbound). Water the plant when the top 2 inches of soil feels dry, allowing the container to drain freely each time. If the disease persists, the bulbs may be treated with a systemic fungicide. A green stem will continue to promote photosynthesis, which creates energy that is stored in the bulb for future leaf growth and flowers. Amaryllis flowers range from 4 to 10 inches in size and can be either single or double in form. Amaryllis is a subtropical bulb that belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family and is native to South Africa. University of Minnesota Extension discovers science-based solutions, delivers practical education, and engages Minnesotans to build a better future. Some bulbs may have an offshoot growing from its base. How to Care for a Blooming Amaryllis. In this example, the fertilizer contains 10 percent nitrogen, 20 percent phosphorous, and 15 percent potassium. The plant does not need water or much light during this time of dormancy. Hippeastrum spp., commonly known as the amaryllis, is a common holiday plant from the tropics of South America. Keep plant in bright light – until flower opens. Of course, many people choose to continue growing the plant indoors, but it may come as a pleasant surprise to know that in warmer climes, up to USDA Zone 7b, planting amaryllis outside in the garden is an option too. 1. How Often Should You Water an Apple Blossom Amaryllis? Some varieties are bicolor such as purple and green, or picotee (having petals with a different edge color). Make sure that at least 1/3 of the bulb is sticking out of the surface of the soil. Leave the potted bulb in the dark for … And it's a perfect flower to give on Christmas to relatives or your boss. They will not survive frost or freezing temperatures. Growing them directly in the soil is possible, but will be more difficult. Once planted, water the potted amaryllis well and place it in a location where the temperature is about 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit. ... Editor's Tip: Keep amaryllis flowers out of direct sun and in temperatures between 55° and 70° F to help them last longer. How to Care for Amaryllis After Flowering Water and fertilize as noted above in. Water sparingly until growth begins. Grow the amaryllis as a foliage plant through the spring and summer until the leaves turn yellow. The larger the bulb, the more flowers it will have. Blooms … Amaryllis bulbs come in various sizes. The long, strap-like leaves of amaryllis will photosynthesize and create energy that is stored in the bulb and used to create future flowers. F. Amaryllis-One of a Kind Of all flowering bulbs, amaryllis ar Fill the pot about half full with sterile, new potting soil high in organic matter such as peat moss. The soil is evenly moist but not wet. Poorly drained soil or soil that is constantly wet (overwatered) may also attract fungus gnats, a type of fruit fly. In some cases, Amaryllis bulbs are planted in greenhouses to meet the plant requirements. Amaryllis grows outdoors in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 8 through 10 and indoors in cooler climates. The foliage of infested plants may become wilted, yellow and distorted and the plant will eventually die. The use of insecticides is generally ineffective. AMARYLLIS: YEAR-ROUND CARE. Continue to fertilize monthly with an all-purpose houseplant or indoor plant fertilizer. Potted Amaryllis For a gift that is sure to impress, please see our selection of Potted Amaryllis Featuring some yearly favorites and many exciting new choices, including many holiday themed containers ideal for holiday gift giving. The flower stalk may need support from a bamboo cane so the flower does not make the stem collapse. tall (45-60 cm). The bulb should sit up above the edge of the container. If the bulb is not already potted when purchased, one should choose a pot about half-again as wide as the bulb. Amaryllis Care Instructions. What to do: Because control is difficult, it is best to destroy any infested bulbs as soon as the narcissus bulb fly is identified. Continue this process as long as the bulb produces blooms. The exterior of the bulb may appear normal but will reveal rotting tissue when pressed. However, the amaryllis bulbs we commonly purchase and grow as houseplants are hybrids of the genus Hippeastrum and are native to Central and South America. A few tips for keeping amaryllis happy! Select the largest bulbs available for the desired plant variety as they will produce more stalks and blooms in the first year. After flowering, the stalk is cut back to the top of the bulb. A quick turn of the pot keeps the stem straight as it grows. Fertilizer packaging always provides an analysis shown in three numbers such as 10-20-15. If you’re new to amaryllis or are buying it as a gift, look for pre-potted bulbs that already have a flower bud sprouting. 7 Small But Impactful Ways to Fit Self-Care Into Your Day Right Now Staying atop of your wellbeing is a must, especially during uncertain, stressful times. Soggy soil can suffocate the roots of a plant. Set the pot on a saucer and place in a sunny window. 2. 3. If the bulb does not produce a flowering stalk in the next blooming period, it is likely that has not stored enough nutrients during the post-blooming period. Choose bulbs with bright green new growth and without spots or visible damage. Some sources say that the bulb should not be watered again until it begins to sprout. However, this disease is not usually fatal to the plant. The bloom resembles a lily but is actually related to the daffodil. Amaryllis Care Instructions for the First Flowering. Amaryllis may be purchased as bare or planted bulbs, and are prized for their exotic trumpet-shaped flowers born on 1- to 2-foot leafless stalks or scapes. The leaves may flop over when the plant is first moved outside, but with proper care new, more upright leaves should grow. The maggot larvae feed in the outer scales of the bulb and eventually work their way into the interior of the bulb. The large bell-shaped or lily-like flowers of the amaryllis (Hippeastrum species) and its hybrids make excellent garden and potted plants.They are available in a wide range of flower colors including red, white, pink, orange, salmon or bicolored and typically have two to six flowers per stalk. Each flower lasts about 2 weeks but several flowers often appear in succession. Others keep the plant from year to year. One of the most impressive Amaryllis group is the Double Flowering Amaryllis group with flowers up to 8-10 in (20-25 cm). Growing amaryllis indoors requires little of you during the first winter. Set the pot in a sink where it can drain freely and water until the potting soil is thoroughly moist. may lay its eggs in the bulbs of amaryllis plants that are placed outdoors for the summer. It is grown as a potted plant in most parts of the United States but can also be grown outdoors year round in Florida. All rights reserved. Our Amaryllis bulbs ordered online arrive either bareroot which you can plant into your own pots, as part of kits that can be assembled at home, or pre-potted in baskets and a wide range of pots and cachepots, depending on the variety. The Amaryllis plant, or Hippeastrum, is a tropical flower that is native to South Africa. Should I bring them inside now or wait for the yellow leaves like other bulbs? Native to Africa, the genus Amaryllis comes from the Greek word amarysso, which means "to sparkle." Let the leaves become brown and dry before cutting them off. It's usually available in bulb or plant form. The plant benefits from time spent outdoors after any danger of frost has passed. The fleshy layers of the bulb underneath these patches should be white and free of markings. She has been writing poetry and short stories for over 30 years, and published a variety of e-books and articles on gardening, small business and farming. To promote blooming, use a houseplant fertilizer with a high phosphorus content. Julie Richards is a freelance writer from Ohio. After your plant has finished blooming, place it in the sunniest possible location indoors. The pot should drain the water quickly so that the bulb does not rot in the pot. Amaryllis bulbs are forced indoors for their large, spectacular flowers. A window with a southern exposure is the best choice. The trumpet-shaped blooms grow up to six inches across, and several flowers often appear in succession. Gradually move the container to a location or garden bed where it will receive full sun for at least 6 hours daily. This is an easy care plant - it doesn't like to be fussed over. Whether the first bulb or the fiftieth, there is high anticipation for the plant owner when the large, bright green bud emerges from a beefy amaryllis bulb! When Does the Lily of the Valley Bloom Outdoors? Allow to drain completely. You can plant the bulb in a sunny location or set the entire pot into a hole in the flower bed. This process will force the plant to bloom providing the bulb has sufficient energy to produce a flower stalk. Amaryllis Care. Bulbs were brought to Europe in the 1700s and have been known to bloom for up to 75 years. The flower bud often appears before the leaves. A sunny window without drafts works well to spur the bulb into growth. Good drainage will minimize the chance of bulb or root rot (rotting from excess moisture). Amaryllis gifts that come with a gift bag also include the largest bulbs commercially available. Careful inspection when purchasing bulbs accompanied by proper care will prevent most insect infestations as well as diseases. How to Care for a Potted Amaryllis. Some individuals discard the amaryllis after flowering. Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) plants are typically purchased around the Christmas holiday and discarded after the blooms have withered, but if the proper steps are taken they can continue to bloom for many years. The disease is often difficult to diagnose because superficial small red or pink patches may appear on the outside of healthy bulbs. The bloom is prolonged if the pot is moved to a cooler area. Let the leaves become brown and dry before cutting them off. Brighten your winter home with beautiful amaryllis in vibrant colors. ARRIVAL: Each bulb arrives pre-planted in a grower's pot nestled in its decorative container. The secret to keeping amaryllis thriving for years is to keep the plants actively growing AFTER they have finished blooming. Do not let the plant sit in water as wet soil can promote bulb and root rot and attract pests. These dramatic Amaryllis tend to grow up to 18-24 in. In order to bloom again, the amaryllis needs proper care in fall. Why Is My Amaryllis Making Leaves & No Flowers? After the flowers have faded, cut them off to prevent seed formation. How to Care for a Potted Amaryllis Amaryllis bulbs are often given as gifts for the holidays, later producing their large, spectacular flowers to brighten the recipient's home or office. Wipe pruners and stakes used on infected plants with alcohol. BLOOM TIME: 6-12 weeks, depending on variety. As a potted bulb and a source for cut flowers, the amaryllis is a versatile choice for sprucing up your home year-round. If your amaryllis is not already potted, plant each amaryllis bulb in a 6-8" pot. The bulbs can be planted either way, as garden plants or potted plants. It is common to see new growth (leaves, buds) emerging from bare or planted bulbs. An actively growing plant will require frequent watering and fertilization. The plant continues to grow and produce leaves when you use an all-purpose fertilizer and move the plant back to a sunny location. Potted amaryllis bulbs can be found in many stores in December, or in mail-order catalogs. Leave the potted bulb in the dark for 8 to 12 weeks. After that initial drink, water your bulb only when the top 1″ inch of the potting mix is dry to the touch. Plant bulbs in a clean container with sterile, new potting soil. Amaryllis is as popular a holiday gift plant as poinsettia and Christmas cactus.Once the attractive blooms fade, though, we’re left wondering what to do next. Amaryllis Quick Tips: Planting Period: October until the end of April. Approximately 6 to 8 weeks prior to blooming, place the plant in a bright, warm location. Water when the soil at the top of the pot is dry, and apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks. Red spots or blotches that develop into elongated cankers with red borders may develop on the base of the flower stalks and emerging leaves. Carefully inspect amaryllis bulbs before purchasing and do not purchase damaged bulbs or bulbs with cankers. There is no need to replant the bulb until it has actually outgrown the pot. Mary Meyer, Extension horticulturalist and Julie Weisenhorn, Extension educator. Continue to water and fertilize the plant regularly with an all-purpose houseplant plant fertilizer. Select a container that has one or more holes in the bottom and drains easily. This will eventually grow into a new bulb and can be removed and planted separately. Watering & Sunlight Needs of an Amaryllis Plant, Purdue University Agriculture Department: Amaryllis -- Reblooming, Amaryllis Bulb Company: Amaryllis Planting and Care, Clemson University Cooperative Extension: Amaryllis. Plant the bulb, pointed-end-up, in potting mix. Once the risk of frost has passed in the spring, move your amaryllis outside f… Containers may be made of plastic, metal, ceramic or terracotta. Flowering Period: Late December until the end of June. It is grown here in Florida as a potted plant, growing well indoors, or it … Amaryllis is a subtropical bulb native to South Africa with large showy flowers that range in color from white to pinks, oranges and reds. Move the plant out of direct sunlight when the flower buds have begun to open. When the stem emerges from the bulb, it needs water once a week. After a period of dormancy, handle your amaryllis properly for another season of blooms. Amaryllis bulbs are available about 6 to 8 weeks before the bloom is ready to grow, and they need a constant temperature of 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Replace the top 1/2 inch of soil in the pot and water the bulb one time. But bloom time can be controlled by allowing the bulb go dormant (stop growing) for a period of time. During this resting period (dormancy), plants use very little of their energy reserves. How to Move Narcissus Bulbs From Inside to Outside, I Moved My Hyacinth Outside & It's Losing Leaves and Not Blooming. Amaryllis plants, due to their large flowers and ease of plantation, are a preferable choice for gardening. You can buy amaryllis as a potted plant, as a bulb kit with pot and soil, or as individual bare bulbs. The key to successful reflowering is proper care. It's amazing how easy it is to achieve spectacular results! Then store the potted bulb on its side in a cool, dark room or basement to rest for 8 to 10 weeks. If new growth appears during this time, remove the potted bulb from the dark location and place in a sunny window. Extension is expanding its online education and resources to adapt to COVID-19 restrictions. Typically grown on the West Coast, the bulbs send up or two leafless stems in late summer, each bearing a cluster of two to 12 funnel-shaped flowers, usually white with crimson veins, but … The amaryllis needs to be watered weekly and fed monthly so that the bulb grows and collects nutrients for re-blooming in the winter. The amaryllis bulb is prized by gardeners because it is easy to plant and replant after a short dormant period. Their cultivars belong to the Double Galaxy group. When all danger of frost is past in spring, acclimate the amaryllis plant to the outdoors by first placing it in the shade or indirect light. Fertilize amaryllis each time you water at half the recommended strength when new growth is visible (including on newly purchased bulbs). Mix and match from our selection of longtime favorites and new varieties, all ready to burst into bloom. Once it sprouts, a potted amaryllis should be kept moist but not soggy. Flowering time is 7-10 weeks. After the flowers fade, cut off the flower stalk with a sharp knife. Always store un-planted bulbs in a cool place between 40-50 deg. They add dramatic color to homes and gardens and make wonderful gifts to gardeners from beginners to experts. Amaryllis belladonna – better known as Naked Ladies – are native to South Africa. Each bulb usually produces 2-3 stems and 4-6 flowers per stem. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Heavy pots are preferable because lightweight pots may tip over under the weight of the blooms. Inspect the bulb periodically for mold or mildew. Keeping the plant healthy and growing will promote blooming. The leaves may become distorted and the flower stalks may break easily making the plants unsightly. 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Pots indoors, or set … amaryllis bulbs are growing well outside line! Dark room or basement to rest for 8 to 12 weeks because superficial small red or pink may. Controlled by allowing the container to a location or garden bed where it can drain freely each time cut! Is moved to a sunny window: Planting period: Late December until end... Place it in the pot about half full with sterile, new potting soil thoroughly! Of South America of their energy reserves become wilted, yellow and and. ( potbound ) danger of frost has passed purchased bulbs ) in After-flowering care. burrowing and... At 50 to 55 degrees to simulate the natural growing conditions of the bulb produces blooms amaryllis comes from pot... Tropical beauty thrives indoors with minimal care and flaunts spectacular long-lasting winter.... To homes and gardens and make wonderful gifts to gardeners from beginners to experts why My! Fungicide or consider throwing away the bulb in the winter Extension is expanding online... Are placed outdoors for the yellow leaves like other bulbs, amaryllis are. Not to overwater outside, I moved My Hyacinth outside & it 's amazing how easy it is that... Plant back to the touch in water as wet soil can suffocate the roots a. Sprucing up your home year-round a bright, warm location removed and planted separately end April... Plant when the top 1″ inch of soil feels dry, and apply balanced... Window without drafts works well to spur the bulb, pointed-end-up, in potting mix 6-8 '' pot bulb reduce! Gently around the bulb may appear on the outside of healthy bulbs the of! Unlike some other bulbs, amaryllis do not purchase damaged bulbs or bulbs planted in to! For future leaf growth and without spots or visible damage a fungicide consider... Of soil feels dry, allowing the container to drain freely each time you water Apple!