Planting an amaryllis bulb in a pot is easy. All you need is a bulb, potting mix, and a container with a drainage hole in the bottom. You will also need a saucer and maybe a coaster to keep furniture and window sills from getting scratched or stained by water.
Amaryllis bulbs produce stunning blooms that make a gorgeous addition to any home in the winter months, Growing these bulbs in pots is an easy way to enjoy their beauty year after year This complete guide will walk you through exactly how to successfully grow an amaryllis bulb in a container
Selecting an Amaryllis Bulb
The first step is picking out a healthy amaryllis bulb Look for bulbs that
- Feel firm and heavy for their size
- Have plump roots at the bottom
- Show no signs of mold, rot, or damage
Bulbs that are at least 2 inches diameter usually produce the best blooms. Choose single bulbs or pick up a variety pack to grow multiple amaryllis together.
Choosing the Right Pot
Pick a pot that is:
- At least 6 inches deep and wider than the bulb
- Made of a sturdy material like ceramic or plastic
- Has drainage holes at the bottom
Shallow pots won’t give roots enough room to spread out. For multiple bulbs, use a 10-12 inch wide container. Cachepots without drainage can be used to cover plain nursery pots.
Planting the Bulb
Plant bulbs in late fall about 6-8 weeks before you want them to bloom. Follow these steps
- Place a layer of gravel over the drainage hole to prevent soil escaping
- Fill the pot 1/2 to 2/3 full with well-draining potting mix
- Nestle the bulb in the soil with the top 1/3 exposed
- Gently pack soil around the roots and base without covering the top
- Water thoroughly after planting
Planting halfway gives room for roots before topping off with more soil.
Caring for Potted Amaryllis
Amaryllis bulbs need:
- Bright, indirect light
- Temperatures between 60-70°F
- Soil that is kept evenly moist but not soggy
Turn pots regularly to prevent growth leaning. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks once leaves appear.
After Flowering Care
Once amaryllis finishes flowering:
- Cut spent blooms back to the stem
- Move the pot to a sunny window and continue caring for the foliage
- Water sparingly for 6-8 weeks to allow the plant to go dormant
- Stop watering and allow leaves to dry out and die back
Let the bulb rest for a couple months before restarting the growth cycle.
Getting Amaryllis to Rebloom
To get amaryllis to flower again:
- In mid-summer, remove dead foliage and repot bulb in fresh mix if needed.
- Water sparingly for 6-8 weeks.
- In fall, place in bright location and increase water.
- Leaves and flowers will emerge again in 6-10 weeks.
With proper care, a bulb can rebloom annually for decades.
Troubleshooting Common Amaryllis Problems
If you notice any of these issues, here are some solutions:
- Leggy growth – Needs more sunlight.
- Leaves but no flowers – May need cooler temps or fertilizer.
- Drooping – Check for rot and overwatering.
- Small flowers – Bulb may be under 2 inches diameter.
- Won’t bloom – Can be dormant from improper rest period.
Reblooming amaryllis year after year is very rewarding. Follow this guide and you’ll have beautiful flowers in your home every winter.
Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Amaryllis in Pots
How long does it take for an amaryllis bulb to bloom?
From planting, amaryllis bulbs usually take 6-8 weeks to produce flowers. Blooms last for 2-6 weeks.
What size pot do you plant amaryllis bulbs in?
Use a pot that is at least 2 inches wider than the diameter of the bulb. A 6 inch deep container is ideal for one amaryllis bulb.
Should you remove amaryllis leaves after flowering?
No, leave the foliage in place for 6-8 weeks after blooming so the bulb can store energy before going dormant. Removing leaves too soon can prevent reblooming.
How can you get an amaryllis to bloom again?
Allow the bulb to go through a dormant period, repot in fresh soil in midsummer, water sparingly, then bring back indoors and increase water in fall to trigger another growth and bloom cycle.
Do amaryllis bulbs multiply?
Amaryllis bulbs do not multiply or self-propagate. However, some varieties may produce offsets called “pups” attached to the main bulb that can be removed and grown into new plants.
Can you plant amaryllis bulbs outside?
Amaryllis are tropical bulbs that survive outdoors year-round only in zones 9-11. In other climates, they can be moved outside for the summer then brought back in before first frost.
With the right care and conditions, potted amaryllis will thrive and brighten up any space with their spectacular winter blooms. Follow these tips for successfully growing these bulbs indoors in containers.
Choose a Potting Mix
Almost any potting mix you can buy is suitable for use with an amaryllis bulb. Some people call potting mix “potting soil,” but most potting mixes don’t have any soil in them; they just have peat moss, ground tree bark, and perlite, which looks like tiny white pebbles and is very light. You can buy potting mix in bags at any hardware or garden center if you don’t have any on hand.
Prepare the Work Area
When you pot your amaryllis bulb, you are going to make a mess. There’s no way around it. When it’s warmer outside, you can put your bulb in a pot outside (on a patio table, for example) and then bring it inside. If you want to bring your bulb inside, find a place with a big, flat surface. A kitchen counter or table works well. Cover the surface with newspapers or an old towel or sheet to make cleanup easy. Then assemble your materials: bulb, pot, and potting mix.