Everything You Need to Know About Caring for Your Holiday Amaryllis

Amaryllis flowers are a stunning addition to any home during the holiday season, bringing vibrant color and elegance to your décor. Their bold, trumpet-shaped blooms and rich hues, ranging from classic red to snowy white, perfectly capture the festive spirit. Whether as a centerpiece, a thoughtful gift, or a way to brighten up a winter windowsill, amaryllis plants are a timeless favorite for creating holiday cheer. In this blog, we’ll answer some of the most common questions about caring for and enjoying these beautiful blooms, helping you make the most of your seasonal display.

How deep do you plant an amaryllis bulb?

Plant the bulb with its neck and rounded shoulders above the soil surface, typically leaving the top third of the bulb exposed. Amaryllis thrive when slightly pot-bound, so choose a pot with a diameter of 15–20 cm (6–8 inches) and a depth of at least 15–20 cm (6–8 inches). Ensure the pot rim is no more than 5 cm (2 inches) from the bulb’s shoulders for the best fit.

How often should I water my amaryllis?

Water sparingly until the bud and stem emerge, then increase the frequency as needed. Use your fingertips to check the soil surface—it should feel slightly damp. When the soil feels dry to the touch, water lightly, typically no more than once a week. Always water the soil, not the bulb. Once the bud and stem appear, your amaryllis may require more frequent watering, so monitor the soil surface regularly.

How long will it take for my amaryllis to bloom?

Amaryllis bulbs are ready to bloom when purchased and, when grown indoors during the holiday season, will flower within 8–11 weeks, depending on the temperature. Place the pot in a warm, bright location indoors, and keep the bulbs away from freezing temperatures, as they are tender and sensitive to cold. Cooler conditions can slow their growth and development.

Avoid placing an amaryllis bulb near ripening fruit, such as apples, as they release ethylene gas, which is harmless to humans but can sterilize the bulbs and prevent blooming.

Amaryllis season begins in November and peaks around Christmas, making these vibrant flowers a perfect seasonal gift.

How long can an amaryllis bulb live?

Amaryllis bulbs are exceptionally long-lived, even though the flowers fade each season. A bulb can be brought back into bloom for at least 20 years or more, if cared for properly. There are stories of bulbs becoming family heirlooms, being passed down from mother to daughter, from grandmother to granddaughter.

How do I care for amaryllis once it’s finished blooming?

Remove faded blooms from the top of the stem and cut only the stem back to the top of the bulb’s neck. Leave the strappy foliage growing from the bulb. Place the potted bulb in a window filled with bright indirect light, and water it on a regular basis for at least 12-16 weeks or through the summer months. Fertilize it twice a month with a water soluble fertilizer.

In late August, when the foliage yellows and becomes floppy, cut it back to the top of the bulb’s neck. It’s time to stop watering and fertilizing and allow the soil to dry out, as the bulb has entered dormancy. Store the dry potted bulb in a cool dark place (12-15°C) such as a garage or basement for at least 8 weeks. The bulb’s rest period should begin in early September and end in late October if you want blooms in time for Christmas.

Why is my amaryllis all leaves and no flowers?

Trying to get an amaryllis bulb to re-bloom without allowing it to receive and store up nutrients, or enter a dormancy period, may result in all leaves and no flowers. Read the above paragraph or Florissa’s blog on Amaryllis After Care.

When should I re-pot my amaryllis?

The best time to re-pot an amaryllis bulb is after dormancy, before bringing it back indoors to room temperature. Use fresh potting soil mix to enhance active growth. Amaryllis bulbs like to be snug in their pots and need larger pots once every 3-4 years. Once planted again in fresh soil, bring the pot indoors and place it in a bright and warm indoor location to start the blooming cycle again.

How long does it take for an amaryllis bulb to get to blooming size?

Amaryllis bulbs can be propagated from the small bulblets growing at the base of the larger bulb. These can be separated at the time of re-potting and transplanted to other pots. After 4-5 years of patient nurturing, the bulbs will be big enough to produce a stem of blooms. When you buy an amaryllis bulb in the store it’s at least 5-6 years old.

Have other questions about amaryllis plants that we have not answered here? Reach out to us at mail@florissa.com.

Adding Amaryllis to your home during the holiday season is a simple yet impactful way to enhance the festive atmosphere. With their striking blooms and easy care, these flowers bring warmth, beauty, and a touch of elegance to any space. Whether you’re using them as a statement piece, gifting them to loved ones, or enjoying their growth as a fun holiday tradition, Amaryllis are sure to brighten your home and your spirits. Embrace the season’s charm and let these stunning flowers be a part of your holiday celebrations!