The Best Potting Soil for Amaryllis – All You Need to Know for Gorgeous Blooms

Amaryllis bulbs produce absolutely stunning blooms that can brighten up any space during the winter months. With huge, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of red, white pink orange and more, it’s no wonder these bulbs have become so popular.

But growing amaryllis successfully starts with the right potting mix. Choosing the best potting soil for amaryllis will ensure your bulbs stay healthy and produce the most spectacular flowers year after year.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about amaryllis soil requirements, including:

• The key ingredients for amaryllis potting mix
• How to create the ideal soil blend at home
• The best commercially available potting soils
• Common mistakes to avoid

What Makes a Good Amaryllis Potting Soil?

Amaryllis bulbs prefer a free-draining soil that won’t become waterlogged. This allows oxygen to reach the roots and prevents fungal diseases. At the same time, the soil should retain some moisture so the bulbs don’t dry out completely.

Here are the characteristics of an ideal amaryllis potting mix

• Well-drained – Contains substances like perlite, pumice, or coarse sand to improve drainage.

• Lightweight – Made up of loose, fluffy materials that won’t compress the bulbs.

• Slightly acidic – A pH between 6.0-6.5 is ideal for amaryllis.

• Nutrient-rich – Supplies key nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Amaryllis are not heavy feeders but some feeding is required.

Many expert gardeners recommend creating your own custom soil blend for amaryllis. This allows you to control the exact ingredients and proportions. But high-quality commercial cactus or orchid mixes can also work very well.

How to Make the Best Potting Mix for Amaryllis

With the right combination of components, you can easily create an ideal amaryllis potting soil at home.

Here are two recipes to try:

Option 1:

• 2 parts peat moss or coco coir
• 1 part perlite or pumice
• 1 part compost or worm castings

Option 2:

• 2 parts potting soil
• 1 part perlite or pumice
• 1 part orchid bark

Peat moss and coco coir provide moisture retention. They also help aerate the soil when mixed with bulkier ingredients.

Perlite and pumice are porous rocks that lighten the texture and improve drainage.

Compost and worm castings introduce beneficial microbes and release nutrients over time.

Orchid bark aerates the soil mix and resists compaction.

For any homemade blend, be sure to use sterile components to prevent diseases. Thoroughly mix the ingredients together in a large container or wheelbarrow. Then moisten as you fill the pots.

The Best Store-Bought Potting Mixes

If you’d rather not mix your own soil, there are some excellent ready-made options for amaryllis:

• Cactus and succulent mixes – These are fast-draining and contain materials like perlite, gravel, or sand. Brands like Miracle-Gro and Espoma make quality cactus mixes.

• Orchid mixes – Orchid potting soils are also suitable for amaryllis. Look for blends with fir bark, charcoal, perlite and peat moss. Better-Gro and rePotme are top picks.

• African violet mixes – These lightweight, porous blends work well for amaryllis. Try mixes from brands like Miracle-Gro or Espoma.

• Moisture Control potting mixes – Products like Miracle-Gro Moisture Control prevent overwatering. Just avoid mixes with water-absorbing gels.

When using bagged potting soils, you may want to amend with extra perlite or orchid bark for even better drainage.

What to Avoid in Amaryllis Soil

There are a few common ingredients that should be avoided when potting amaryllis bulbs:

• Regular garden soil – This compacts too much and retains excessive moisture leading to rot.

• Peat or moss alone – Lacks the aeration and drainage amaryllis needs. Better mixed with perlite or sand.

• Pine bark – Has a tendency to foster fungal disease.

• Vermiculite or coconut coir alone – Holds too much moisture.

• Heavy mixes with clay – Drain too slowly.

Amaryllis also do not need very rich soil. Avoid compost-heavy mixes that may retaining too much water.

Potting Amaryllis Bulbs

When potting amaryllis bulbs in your soil blend follow these tips:

• Choose a pot only 1-2 inches wider than the bulb

• Place a couple inches of moistened soil mix in the bottom

• Set the bulb so 1/3 to 1/2 remains above the soil line

• Firm the soil around the lower part of the bulb

• Leave the neck and top exposed

• Water sparingly until growth emerges

This prevents the bulb from settling too deep into wet soil which can also lead to rotting.

Caring for Potted Amaryllis

To keep your amaryllis thriving after potting:

• Water evenly when the top inch of soil dries out

• Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during growth

• Place in a sunny window and rotate the pot weekly

• Remove faded blooms and stalks after flowering

• Cut back on watering in fall and allow leaves to yellow

• Stop watering completely in late fall to early winter

• Store bulbs in a cool dark place until ready to repot

With the proper soil and care, your amaryllis bulbs will reward you with their spectacular blooms year after year. Just be sure to avoid overly wet, dense mixes that can ruin these stunning winter-blooming bulbs.