A Complete Guide to Growing Amaryllis Bulbs in Water

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Now that Halloween is over, we’re starting to think about the holidays. The store shelves have changed from Halloween candy and costumes to holiday wreaths and plants, and we want to decorate our homes even more. We also can’t get enough of amaryllis during the holiday season, along with wreaths, holly, and mistletoe.

Growing amaryllis bulbs in water is an easy and fun way to force them to bloom The tall, showy flowers add a dramatic pop of color indoors during the dreary winter months

While amaryllis can’t survive long-term in just water, they’ll grow and bloom beautifully for one season when grown hydroponically.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about planting amaryllis bulbs in water and caring for them With just a few simple supplies, you can enjoy these stunning flowers without soil.

Overview of Growing Amaryllis in Water

Growing bulbs like amaryllis in water, also known as forcing, is a process where roots develop in water rather than soil. It allows the bulb to be “tricked” into blooming outside its natural season.

While amaryllis forced in water provide a gorgeous floral show, they have a relatively short lifespan compared to bulbs grown in pots.

The bulb cannot survive indefinitely in water alone. But the trade-off is worth it for an easy, low maintenance way to enjoy amaryllis flowers in winter.

Benefits of Forcing Amaryllis Bulbs in Water

Here are some of the biggest advantages to growing amaryllis bulbs in water:

  • Requires no potting mix or drainage holes to deal with messy soil and water spillage

  • Allows you to display bulbs in clear or decorative vases as beautiful indoor accents

  • Roots and plant growth can be observed easily through the clear water

  • Doesn’t require transplanting bulb from water to soil after blooming

  • Makes an excellent gift presentation that’s easy for recipients to enjoy

Tips for Success Growing Amaryllis in Water

Follow these tips to help your amaryllis bulbs thrive hydroponically:

  • Select a bulb that is large, firm, and free of mold, damage, or decay

  • Trim off any dead, dried roots before planting in water

  • Maintain water level just below the bulb base to prevent rot

  • Provide bright, indirect light from a southern or western window

  • Rotate vase daily to keep flower stalk growing straight

  • Replace water weekly to prevent bacterial growth

  • Enjoy blooms, then discard bulb after flowering

Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Amaryllis Bulbs in Water

Now let’s look at the simple process for growing amaryllis bulbs in water. Here are the supplies you’ll need:

Supplies:

  • Amaryllis bulb
  • Clear glass vase or jar, at least 5 inches deep
  • River rocks, marbles, or pebbles for support
  • Fresh room temperature water
  • Floral snips (optional)

Step 1: Prepare the Vase

Select a glass vase, cylinder, or jar that allows ample room for roots to develop. The vessel should be at least 5 inches deep but doesn’t need to be overly large.

Clear glass lets you observe the roots, but colored glass works too. Consider a bulb vase for easy stability.

Step 2: Add Support Layer

Add 3-4 inches of small river rocks, marbles, or pebbles to the bottom of the vase. This creates a base to support the amaryllis bulb above the water.

Step 3: Trim Roots (Optional)

If your bulb has any dried or damaged roots, use floral snips to trim them off. Keep healthy, plump white roots intact.

Step 4: Position the Bulb

Place the amaryllis bulb root-side down on top of the pebbles in the vase. The roots should reach down into the water but the bulb base shouldn’t touch the water.

Step 5: Add Water

Slowly pour room temperature water into the vase. Fill until the water level reaches just below the bottom of the bulb, being careful not to submerge any part of the bulb.

Step 6: Display in Sunny Spot

Place your planted amaryllis in a warm spot with bright, indirect light. Near a south or west facing window is ideal. Enjoy watching roots and flowers develop!

Caring for Amaryllis Grown in Water

Caring for amaryllis bulbs in water takes a bit more diligence than caring for potted bulbs. Here are some key tips:

  • Check water level daily and add more as needed to keep roots submerged but not the bulb

  • Change water weekly to prevent bacterial growth and maintain freshness

  • Turn the vase daily to prevent flower stalks from leaning

  • Provide bright light to support growth

  • Remove faded flowers to encourage more blooms

  • Discard bulb after flowering since it won’t rebloom in water again

The Downside of Forcing Amaryllis Bulbs in Water

While growing amaryllis in water can be fun and rewarding in the short term, there are some downsides to be aware of:

  • Bulbs often fail to thrive and rebloom after forcing in water

  • Risk of the bulb rotting if water contacts the base

  • Roots and bulb may not grow as robustly as they do in soil

  • Requires more diligent water monitoring to prevent problems

  • Lack of nutrients limits plant’s overall vigor and size

So for the best results long term, it’s best to grow amaryllis in potting mix, not water. But the trade-off can be worth it to enjoy quick, soil-free blooms!

Tips for Transitioning Amaryllis to Soil After Forcing

If your amaryllis bulb remains firm after flowering in water, you can attempt to plant it in soil to save it. Here’s how:

  • Allow bulb to dry out completely for a few days after removing from water.

  • Trim any mushy roots and peel off outer layers if they appear damaged.

  • Pot in fresh potting mix, leaving 1/3 of bulb exposed above soil.

  • Water sparingly until growth resumes, then water when soil is partly dry.

  • Grow in a sunny window and fertilize monthly to help it recover.

  • Be patient! It may take a year or more before it blooms again in soil.

Common Problems Growing Amaryllis in Water

Here are some potential issues you may encounter and how to resolve them:

  • Rotting: Discard bulb if base or roots are mushy, foul smelling, or blackened. Avoid submerging bulb in water.

  • Slimy water: Change water weekly and trim any dead roots. Provide good light and cool temps.

  • Leggy growth: Turn vase daily and provide maximum light exposure from a sunny window.

  • Tip over: Use a bulb vase or wider vessel. Add support sticks or stones around bulb if needed.

  • Slow to bloom: Be sure bulb has 1/3 above water, and give warm temps and plenty of light.

Growing Amaryllis in Unique Vessels

Part of the fun of growing amaryllis in water is selecting a unique vessel to display it in. Here are some creative ideas:

  • Clear or colored glass vases, cylinders, and hurricane lamps

  • Glass bowls, jars, and decanters

  • Decorative bulb vases

  • Large glass water jugs

  • Open terrariums or glass cloches

  • Clear acrylic boxes or cylinders

  • Large apothecary jars, decanters, and urns

Browse home decor and thrift stores to find interesting glass containers for showing off your amaryllis roots and blooms!

Enjoy the Showy Blooms of Amaryllis Grown in Water

Now that you know the ins and outs of growing amaryllis bulbs in water, give this fun technique a try!

Follow the steps above, and in no time you’ll have eye-catching flowers blooming indoors even in the dead of winter. Just be sure to keep the water fresh and the bulb base above water.

The spectacular blooms and visible root growth make amaryllis forced in water an entertaining project. Extend the beauty by gifting these easy-care bulbs to others!

The Attraction of the Amazing Amaryllis

When the weather outside is frightful, and our flourishing gardens have faded away, we find ourselves craving more color than just the holiday greenery in our homes—which is why amaryllis bulbs have grown in popularity. Their amazing ability to grow well indoors throughout the cold winter months has earned them quite a reputation amongst green and black thumbs alike, making them one of the most popular gifting plants around!

Of course, the fact that they are so easy to take care of isn’t the only reason why amaryllis bulbs are so popular as gifts and holiday houseplants. They’re also unbelievably beautiful! Their star-shaped blooms come in a stunning range of colors, making them a captivating way to add color to your home when everything else is white. The best part is that they can last for years with the right care, which is longer than that gift card you were thinking of getting instead!

How to Plant Amaryllis in Water

While amaryllis bulbs are traditionally best grown in pots of soil, they can also be grown quite easily in just about any vase for a minimal, modern look that requires very little care. Here’s how to plant an amaryllis bulb in water:

You’ll need:

  • A glass or vase that is clear and big enough to hold your amaryllis bulb
  • You can use pebbles, gravel, stones, seashells, marbles, or any other materials that fit your style.
  • Water

For starters, make sure that the vase or container is clean and free of any bacteria that could stop your amaryllis bulb from blooming as much as it does normally. Wash the vase out with soap and rinse thoroughly. If you got your pebbles, gravel, stones, seashells, or marbles somewhere else, you might also want to rinse them.

After making sure everything is clean, fill the vase or container about ¾ of the way to the top with pebbles, stones, gravel, seashells, or marbles. Then, put your amaryllis bulb in the middle of the top with the pointed end facing up. Add some more pebbles, stones, gravel, seashells, or marbles around it to make it stable. Don’t cover the bulb entirely—only use as much as it takes to keep the bulb upright.

With your amaryllis bulb now stable, you can begin adding the water, which will trigger it to bloom. Pour the water into the vase until the water line is just below the bulb, but not touching it. This is where having a clear container is critical. We want the roots to be able to reach the water and bring it up to the bulb. But, if the bulb itself becomes submerged at all, we run the risk of causing it to rot. So, always make sure your water line falls just below your bulb to keep that from happening.

That’s it! Your amaryllis bulb is now planted with just a few pebbles and some water. No need to get dirt under your nails.

How to Grow Amaryllis Over Water // How To Rebloom An Amaryllis That Was Grown In Water

FAQ

Can amaryllis grow in just water?

Growing Amaryllis in Water Amaryllis will grow and bloom in a vase of water with stones or decorative pebbles. To “plant” your bulb, begin by carefully placing your stones or pebbles to a depth of about 4 inches in a wide glass vase, Amaryllis vase, or other water tight container at least 6” deep.

Is it better to grow amaryllis in water or soil?

While amaryllis bulbs are traditionally best grown in pots of soil, they can also be grown quite easily in just about any vase for a minimal, modern look that requires very little care. Here’s how to plant an amaryllis bulb in water: You’ll need: A clear vase or glass container – wide enough to fit your amaryllis bulb.

Can an amaryllis bulb grow without soil?

While the original habitat of amaryllises was mostly tropical, they’ve become a winter favourite in North America because they grow fast, bloom indoors, and need very little care. Amaryllis bulbs can even grow without soil, and waxed amaryllis bulbs can grow without soil or water!

What to do with amaryllis after it blooms in water?

Once the flowers are spent, cut off the flower stalks without damaging the foliage. Keep the bulb planted in its container, and continue to give it regular water and bright light. After the last frost, move the amaryllis outdoors.

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