Caring for Amaryllis

Caring for an amaryllis is not difficult, but we often get questions about it. People are not used to a flower bulb that grows and blooms indoors. They often hesitate whether they should water the bulb and where in the house they should put the amaryllis. Is the amaryllis best placed on the kitchen table or is it better to put it on the windowsill? Of course, we at Fluwel are happy to answer all your questions about caring for amaryllis.

What is the best place for my amaryllis?

The amaryllis is originally a subtropical plant. It really likes the warmth. The best place for your amaryllis is therefore close to or above the heater. The amaryllis bulb is especially grateful for warmth in the first few weeks after planting . If the bulb is placed at a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius or higher after planting, it will quickly start to grow roots. These roots will ensure that your amaryllis will bloom much more beautifully. The leaves will, with a well-rooted bulb, grow along with the flower stems and the flower buds will also develop better.

At lower temperatures your amaryllis will certainly bloom, but it will not do as well as a bulb that has been kept warm and has developed roots, especially in the beginning.

Once the flower buds and leaves emerge from the bulb and the amaryllis starts growing quickly, you can place it a bit cooler and further away from the heater. After all, the bulb has grown roots so that it can develop well and a slightly lower temperature is now better for the durability of the flowers. This way, you will enjoy your amaryllis for longer. More heat will make the flower develop faster so that it will finish its blooming sooner, so place it a bit cooler before it starts blooming.

Watering Amaryllis

Make sure that the soil in which you plant the Amaryllis bulb is moist, moist soil stimulates root growth. Some people choose to place the bulb with its bottom in a bowl of water for a few hours, or overnight. That certainly can't do any harm, but if the soil in which you plant the Amaryllis bulb is moist, that will also work fine.

In the beginning your Amaryllis will not ask for much water, but keep an eye on it and water it when you see that the soil is getting dry. Especially if it is on or near the heater the soil can quickly become dry. Even if you do not see any growth yet, the roots like to be in moist soil. Not soaking wet, that is not necessary, just moist as you are used to with your other houseplants. When the Amaryllis starts to grow it will ask for more water and you will have to water it more often. Especially as a mature plant in full bloom an Amaryllis uses a lot of water.