As an amaryllis plant, I thrive when my basic needs are met. I originate from tropical regions, so I love warmth and bright, indirect sunlight. Place me near a south or west-facing window where I can bask in sunlight for at least 6 hours daily. Avoid direct midday sun, as it may scorch my leaves. I also prefer temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C) during the day and slightly cooler at night. Keep me away from drafts or cold windows, as sudden temperature drops stress me.
When planting me, choose a pot that’s just 1-2 inches wider than my bulb. I dislike overly spacious pots because they retain too much moisture, which can rot my roots. Ensure the pot has drainage holes. Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a blend of peat, perlite, and sand. Plant me with the top third of my bulb above the soil line—this prevents rot and allows me to breathe. If you’re repotting, do it after my blooming cycle when I’m dormant.
I’m sensitive to overwatering, which is my biggest enemy. Water me sparingly when you first plant me until my roots establish. Once I start growing, keep the soil lightly moist but never soggy. Let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings. During my active growth phase (spring and summer), I need more water, but reduce watering in fall as I prepare for dormancy. Never let me sit in standing water—it will suffocate my roots.
To support my vibrant blooms and strong foliage, feed me every 2-3 weeks during my growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10 or 5-5-5). Once my flowers fade, switch to a high-phosphorus fertilizer to help me store energy for the next blooming cycle. Stop fertilizing when I enter dormancy in late summer or early fall. Overfeeding can harm me, so always dilute the fertilizer to half strength.
After my flowers fade, cut the flower stalk near the base but leave my leaves intact—they’re my energy factories. Continue watering and feeding me until late summer, then reduce watering to trigger dormancy. Move me to a cool (50-55°F or 10-13°C), dark place for 8-10 weeks. Trim my yellowed leaves and withhold water. After this rest period, bring me back to warmth and light, resume watering, and I’ll reward you with new blooms!
I’m generally hardy, but pests like aphids, spider mites, or mealybugs may bother me. Wipe my leaves with a damp cloth or use insecticidal soap if needed. Yellowing leaves could mean overwatering, while limp leaves suggest underwatering. If I don’t bloom, I might need more light or a proper dormancy period. Always check my bulb for rot—if it’s soft or moldy, remove the affected parts and repot me in fresh soil.
In spring and summer, I’m actively growing—give me plenty of light, water, and fertilizer. In fall, ease off watering to prepare me for dormancy. Winter is my blooming season if I’ve had proper rest. After flowering, repeat the cycle. Rotate my pot occasionally so I grow evenly. With consistent care, I can live and bloom for many years, growing larger and more spectacular each season!
