Amaryllis
Amaryllis is a genus of plants with large, trumpet-shaped flowers in various colours. They are common as cut flowers but are also cultivated from bulbs all over the world. The word amaryllis comes from Greek and means “to shine”. The name suits this magnificent flower very well. In literature, the amaryllis has often symbolised beauty and love. In addition to being a very popular cut flower, it is also strongly associated with Christmas, particularly in shades of red. What many people may not realise is that amaryllis comes in an astonishing variety of colours and forms.
Caring for Amaryllis
If you plant amaryllis bulbs in a pot, it is important that the pot is large and stable enough. This prevents it from toppling over when the large flower opens. If you would like your amaryllis to be at its best for a particular occasion, you may need to influence how quickly it grows. Place it in a bright, warm spot if you want it to bloom quickly, or in a darker, cooler place if you would like to delay its flowering.
Watering Amaryllis in Moderation
Amaryllis does not like too much water. A common guideline is to give it the equivalent of a shot glass of water once a week. The soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings, and it is important that the bulb itself does not become wet. If you put clay pebbles at the bottom of the pot, the risk of the bulb rotting is reduced. Watering from below, via a saucer, is better than watering from above. Ordinary potting compost works well for amaryllis. The bulbs can also be planted in sand or moss.
- Amaryllis prefers a bright spot, but ideally not direct sunlight.
- To ensure straight growth, turn the pot from time to time, as the flower stems will reach towards the light.
- If the flower is large and heavy, your amaryllis may need a plant support or a special amaryllis stake.
Overwintering Amaryllis
An amaryllis bulb can produce new flowers year after year. If you care for it properly, it can even grow so that the flowers become larger and more beautiful with each bloom. Here’s how to overwinter an amaryllis that has finished flowering:
- Once the amaryllis has flowered, remove the flower and seed capsule.
- Leave the stem and allow it to wither; the leaves should also remain.
- Continue to water and feed the bulb.
- Place it outdoors in a shaded, sheltered spot during the summer months, if possible, or in a cool cellar/store room with access to some light. Towards the end of summer, around August, bring the bulb indoors so it can rest in a darker place.
- After a while, you will notice new shoots appearing from the bulb. That is the time to start giving it a little water and move it back into the light. The more light and warmth the bulb receives, the faster it will flower.
Amaryllis as a Cut Flower
A diagonal cut at the stem helps an amaryllis last longer in a vase. You can also make a small hole in the hollow stem just beneath the flower. This allows air to escape, which would otherwise prevent the amaryllis from taking up water. Another tip is to place a support stick inside the hollow stem to stop it drooping. With the right care, amaryllis can last a surprisingly long time as a cut flower.
Another idea is to hang the stem and flower upside down. Pour a little water into the hollow stem, which then functions as a vase, and hang it up with a decorative silk ribbon from a curtain pole or another suitable spot.
Good luck!
Author: Johanna Damm
Fact-checked by Erik Hoekstra
Last updated: 2025-09-19