Amaryllis

Amaryllis bulbs should not be kept continually moist or dry. Overwatering the plant can cause root rot and stem collapse, and underwatering the plant can cause the leaves to turn yellow and the plant to lack vigor. The bulb should be watered when the top inch of soil becomes dry. To keep the soil uniformly moist, try to water the soil until water runs out of the bottom of the pot. After watering, allow the soil to completely dry before watering again.

Amaryllis is best grown in bright, indirect light, and will thrive in an east- or west-facing windowed room. The plants appreciate being protected from direct sunlight, which can cause the leaves of the plant to yellow and will decrease the amount of flowers the plant will produce, though they may still survive in direct light. The plant should receive several hours of direct sunlight per day; however, it’s best to diffuse the light by placing the plant in a location that is a few steps back from the window, or by placing a sheer curtain in the space between the window and the plant.

Ideal temperature for Amaryllis is 65° to 70° Fahrenheit (18° – 21° Celsius). Avoid temperatures below 50° Fahrenheit (10° Celsius) as they can cause the flower buds to develop improperly and may result in premature flowering. Heaters and other sources of dry heat can have a detrimental effect on Amaryllis, so it's best to keep them away from them.

Amaryllis prefer humid conditions and can suffer from too little humidity. To raise the air humidity around the plant, try misting it regularly or setting it on a bench over a large tray or bowl of water. Another option is to use a humidifier to keep the air around the plant properly humidified.

Amaryllis enjoys a rich, well-draining potting soil. A combination of peat moss, perlite, and/or compost mixed with a small amount of sand or gravel for added drainage is ideal. Be sure not to use a soil that is too rich in organic matter as this can cause the bulb to rot.

Before fertilizing your Amaryllis, flush the potting soil gently with water. After the plant has finished its flowering period, it can be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer that is low in nitrogen and high in potassium and phosphate. Avoid over-fertilizing as this can cause the flower buds to drop off and can also cause the Amaryllis to experience leaf burn.

Amaryllis may be prone to spider mites, thrips and mealybugs, all of which can cause damage to the leaves or flowers of the plant. To get rid of spider mites, blast them off with a strong spray of water, and then treat the plant with neem oil or an insecticidal soap. Thrips can be controlled with an insecticidal soap or neem oil spray, and mealybugs can be eliminated with rubbing alcohol and insecticidal soap or neem oil. It is important to keep the plant pest free, as infestations can cause the plant to lose vigor and may even kill it.

Amaryllis should be repotted every 2 to 3 years, or when the pot becomes overcrowded or too large. The best time to repot Amaryllis is when it is done blooming, usually in late spring or early summer. When repotting, remove the plant from its original pot, shake off any excess soil, and repot in a large container with fresh potting mix.

Amaryllis generally don’t need to be pruned, but may need occasional deadheading of spent flower stems or pruning if the leaves and stems become too long and leggy. If pruning is necessary, use a sterile knife or shears in order to cut the plant back. Make sure not to cut back too far, as this may cause the flower buds to drop off and the plant to lose vigor.

Mulching the plant is beneficial for both insulation and water retention. Use an organic mulch such as shredded bark or compost. Make sure to keep the mulch at least an inch away from the plant stems and leaves so as not to cause rot.

Amaryllis bulbs may be propagated by means of offsets or ‘daughter’ bulbs that can be easily separated from the mother bulb by simply untangling the roots that bind them together. Replant the offsets in their own pot with fresh potting mix and follow the usual Amaryllis care instructions for best results.

Amaryllis plants can become top-heavy and require a support stake for support such as a bamboo stake or plastic one. Place the stake close to the bulb and gently tie or wrap string around the top of the plant stem, being careful not to tie it too tightly or damage the plant. This will help to keep the stem up and prevent it from tipping over.

When the flower stem begins to wither, cut it off at the base of the stem and wait for the leaves to mature before entering its rest period. Once the leaves begin to senesce and turn yellow, you may reduce watering and let the plant rest until the following spring. During this period, the bulb will recharge and be ready to flower again in the upcoming season.

Amaryllis is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, and can cause mouth irritation, stomach upset, and visions of vomiting and diarrhea. If you think your pet has eaten any part of Amaryllis, contact your veterinarian immediately.