From my perspective as a bulb, my pot is my entire world. It is crucial that you choose a container that is just the right size. I need a pot that is only about 1 to 2 inches wider in diameter than my widest part. A pot that is too large will hold excess soil, which retains too much water and can cause my roots and base to rot—a truly dreadful fate. More important than width is depth; my roots need plenty of room to stretch down and anchor me securely. Ensure the pot has excellent drainage holes. I do not enjoy having "wet feet," and standing water will quickly lead to my demise.
Please provide me with a high-quality, well-draining potting mix. Garden soil is much too dense and will compact around me, suffocating my roots. I thrive in a mix that is light and airy, perhaps one amended with perlite or coarse sand. Before placing me in my new home, partially fill the pot with this moistened soil. The moisture is a welcome signal that this is a good place to grow, but it should be damp, not soggy. Create a small mound in the center of the soil where I will sit; this will give my roots a gentle guide to grow downward and outward.
Now, place me gently on top of the soil mound. My pointed end, from which my magnificent flower stalk will emerge, must stay facing up. My roots are delicate; please handle them with care and spread them out over the mound. Then, begin adding the remaining soil around me. This is the most critical part: you must leave the top third to half of my bulb exposed above the soil line. Burying me completely is a common mistake. I need my shoulders and neck to be free and clear of the soil to prevent rot and to allow for proper growth. Firm the soil around my base gently to hold me upright, but do not pack it too tightly.
After I am settled, give me a modest drink of water. Direct the water onto the soil around me, not over my top. This initial watering should be just enough to settle the soil around my roots. For now, I prefer to be in a cool, dim location. This allows me to focus my energy on establishing a strong root system below the surface. Once you see my green flower stalk or leaves beginning to emerge significantly (usually a few inches tall), it is time to move me to a brighter spot with indirect, but strong, light.
With my roots established and my pot placed in a warm, sunny location, I will begin my rapid growth. Please continue to water me when the top inch of soil feels dry. As I grow, I will use more water, but always check first. Rotate my pot occasionally so my stalk grows straight and does not lean too far towards the light. With your care, I will soon reward you with a spectacular display of large, trumpet-shaped flowers, the grand finale I have been storing my energy for all this time.
