How to Grow Amaryllis

1. Potting
   • Purchase large, firm bulbs which show only the scars or stubs of old foliage, but no new leaves.
   • The pot should have good drainage and be about 3-4 inches wider than the bulb.
   • Use a light, well-drained potting mixture containing some peat moss.The potting mixture should be about 1 inch below the rim of the pot (for ease of watering), and about 1/3 of the bulb should show above the soil level.
   • Firm the soil and water well.
2. Care
   • Place the pot with the amaryllis bulb in a sunny, warm room. Day temperatures should be 18-25C. Night temperatures can be 5-10 degrees cooler.
   • Water sparingly until the first shoots appear. Once growth begins, water whenever the soil is dry - making sure it is evenly moist but not overly wet.
   • Turning the pot every few days will keep the foliage growth balanced. Varieties with extra large blooms might need staking.
   • Fertilize with a "complete" water-soluble houseplant fertilizer once a month while the plants is in active growth, remembering that it is better to underfertilize than to overfertilize. A complete fertilizer is one such as 20-20-20, which contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. A good houseplant fertilizer should also contain trace elements (sometimes called "micronutrients") such as iron and magnesium; we recommend Gro-More Tropical Plant Food© fertilizer.
3. Flowering
   • Once the flower buds are ready to open, the pot can be moved to a different location, one which is cooler and has less direct light. This will both prolong flowering and bring out the brilliant colors of the amaryllis.
   • Remove the flowers as they fade. This prevents seed formation, which diverts food from the bulb itself.
4. Aftercare
   • When the blooming period is over, place the pot in a sunny, well-ventilated position.
   • Water and feed regularly to promote vigorous foliage. Food manufactured in the leaves will enlarge and feed the bulb (which shrinks as a result of flowering). If properly cared for, amaryllis bulbs should increase 3-7 inches in size each year.
   • Bulbs may be placed outdoors in a semi-shaded location during the summer as long as they are protected from spring and fall frosts.
   • Bring the amaryllis indoors in September when the leaves have died. Store in a cool, dry location out of direct light until signs of growth reappear. These conditions will reduce moisture loss from the bulb.
   • Discontinue watering and feeding during this period to prevent rot.
5. Regrowth
   • In about 2 months new growth will appear. At this time it is advisable to gently remove and replenish the top 1 inch of potting mixture, mixing it with a teaspoon of bone meal. Take care not to disturb the roots or damage the new shoot.
   • Place the pot in a warm, sunny position and continue watering and fertilizing as before.
   • An amaryllis bulb may need repotting every 3 or 4 years as the bulb increases in diameter, but a slightly "pot-bound" amaryllis will do well as long as it is adequately fed.