Amaryllis / Hippeastrum
Hippeastrum hybrids
description
Amaryllis is a popular indoor bulb producing large trumpet-shaped flowers on tall stems.
benefits
- Flowering
- Suitable for containers
warnings
- Toxic to cats
- Toxic to dogs
How to care for Amaryllis
sunlight
Hippeastrum grows from bulbs in bright, open habitats, so it flowers best near a sunny window indoors. Give it strong light while leaves are growing and while it is in bloom.
Bright light with some direct sun
Place it at an east, west, or bright south-facing window. A few hours of morning or late-afternoon sun is welcome. In a very hot south or west window, move it slightly back from the glass or soften harsh midday sun to protect flowers and leaves.
watering
Water thoroughly, then let the upper 1-2 inches of compost dry before watering again. Empty the saucer after draining, and keep water off the bulb neck.
While flowering or growing leaves
Expect to water about every 5-10 days in a warm, bright spot. Check with a finger or lift the pot first: water when the top layer is dry but the root ball still has some moisture.
When leaves yellow and the bulb rests
Gradually reduce water as the leaves die back, then keep the resting bulb dry for roughly 8-10 weeks. If it stays green, water sparingly, about every 2-3 weeks, only after most of the compost has dried.
Bright light, warmth, a small terracotta pot, and a free-draining mix dry compost faster. Cooler, dimmer conditions and a larger plastic pot slow it down.
humidity
Preferred humidity
Amaryllis comes from seasonally dry parts of South America, so normal indoor air is usually fine. It is comfortable at about 30-60%, but flowers and leaves look best away from very dry heated air.
Minimum
Air that stays drier than this can cause brown leaf tips, crisp edges, and flowers that fade sooner.
- Run a small humidifier nearby, especially while buds are opening.
- Keep the pot away from radiators, heating vents, and hot sunny windows.
temperature
Active growth and flowering
Dormant bulb
Hippeastrum comes from warm regions of the Americas, so it grows and flowers best in steady room temperatures. Cooler conditions within its active range can help blooms last longer, while prolonged cold slows growth and may damage the bulb.
nutrition
March - August
Feed every 2-4 weeks while the leaves are actively growing, using a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer at about half the label strength. Stop feeding once the foliage naturally yellows and the bulb enters dormancy.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus supports strong roots and helps the bulb store energy for future flowers. A balanced fertilizer provides enough without needing a special bloom formula.
Potassium
Potassium supports sturdy growth and healthy bulb development while the leaves are replenishing the bulb after flowering.
soil
Rich but free-draining soil
Amaryllis bulbs need moisture and nutrients while growing, but their fleshy roots rot in dense, soggy compost. Use a good potting mix loosened with perlite, pumice, or coarse grit so excess water drains quickly.
pH 6,0 - 6,5
This is slightly acidic, a range most quality indoor potting mixes naturally provide. Choose a peat- or coir-based mix and avoid adding lime unless you know your water or soil is very acidic.