Hello, human! I am your amaryllis bulb, a vessel of immense potential waiting to burst forth with spectacular blooms. To help me thrive and show off my true glory, please follow this guide from my perspective.
When you first bring me home, I might seem like just a brown, sleepy lump. But inside, I am full of life! Choose a pot for me that is only about 1-2 inches wider than my widest diameter. I like to be cozy; too much space focuses my energy on roots, not flowers. The pot must have drainage holes! I despise soggy feet, as they will cause me to rot. Use a well-draining potting mix. Place me in the pot so that my top third, including my "shoulders" and neck, remains above the soil line. This prevents water from pooling at my crown and keeps me healthy.
After you pot me, give me a thorough drink of water. Then, place me in a warm spot with indirect, bright light. Please, no intense, direct sun yet. This initial watering tells my roots it's time to wake up and start growing. Hold off on watering me again until you see the first green tip of a flower stalk or leaves emerging from my top. This pause encourages my roots to seek out moisture and establish themselves strongly in their new home.
Once I send up my flower stalk and it begins to grow, you can start watering me regularly. Keep my soil lightly moist, but never waterlogged. Always check the top inch of soil; if it's dry, it's time for a drink. As I grow, rotate my pot a quarter turn every few days so my stalk grows straight and doesn lean toward the light. I will work hard to produce my large, magnificent flowers. To support this effort, begin feeding me with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks once my flower bud has formed. This gives me the nutrients I need to put on a stunning show for you.
When my beautiful flowers finally fade, please cut off the flower stalk about an inch above my neck. However, do not remove my green, strappy leaves! They are my solar panels. Through photosynthesis, my leaves will gather energy from the sun and store it back inside me for next year's bloom. Continue to water and fertilize me all through the spring and summer. When the weather is warm, you can even place me outside in a spot with partial sun. This period of growth is crucial for rebuilding my strength.
