Did you receive an Amaryllis as a holiday present this year?

They are a popular gift these days—but if you are like me, no matter how many times I read about how to care for Amaryllis, I can never exactly remember. So here’s a little refresher:

Blooming an amaryllis is easy if you follow a few simple steps. Reblooming it next year is just a little harder, but it can be done with some care.

First, check the amaryllis bulb for small roots at its base. Slice off any that are smashed or damaged.

For best bloom, amaryllis should be rooted in a soil mix. Put two to three inches of soil in a pot and place the bulb on top. Settle the bulb in the soil and fill the container with soil so the bottom half of the bulb is covered.
Water thoroughly to make sure the lightweight peat soils are moist. Water again when the soils are dry at the root zone.

Within two to three weeks, you will see a bit of growth at the top of the bulb. Sometimes strap-like leaves come first, but watch for fat, egg-shaped buds. After you see the bud, growth will happen fast! Place in full sun and turn daily if the stalk begins to bend toward the sunlight.

If you want to rebloom the bulb, begin feeding with a water-soluble fertilizer when leaves and bloom stalk appear. After bloom, continue fertilizing monthly, transferring the pot outdoors in nearly full sun during the growing season.

In early September, being withdrawing water in order to force the plant into dormancy. The leaves will begin to yellow and dry up. “Rest” it for a month and start the process again for enjoyable blooms year after year.

Beth Monroe is public relations director at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.

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