Amaryllis

Hippeastrum spp.Also known as: Knight's Star Lily, Barbados Lily, Amaryllis Lily

Amaryllis is a spectacular bulb plant from South America, famous for its enormous trumpet-shaped flowers that can measure 6-10 inches (15-25 cm) across. A single bulb can produce multiple flower stalks reaching 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) tall. Popular as a holiday gift plant, amaryllis can rebloom for years with proper care.

Easy Care

Bright Indirect Light

Perennial

Quick Care Summary

Light
Bright Indirect Light

Temperature Range
55-80°F (13-27°C)

Ideal Temp
70°F (21°C)

Toxic to Pets

This plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. Keep it out of reach of pets, or consider pet-safe alternatives. Symptoms of ingestion may include drooling, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing.

Seasonal Care Schedule

Adjust your care routine based on the season for optimal plant health.

Watering Schedule

Season	Schedule
Spring	Every 7-10 days while leaves are growing
Summer	Every 7 days during active leaf growth
Fall	Reduce watering, stop when leaves yellow
Winter	No water during dormancy; resume when sprouting

Water sparingly until stalk is several inches tall, then increase. Keep dry during 8-10 week dormancy.

Fertilizing Schedule

Season	Schedule
Spring	Every 2 weeks after flowering with balanced fertilizer
Summer	Every 2 weeks to build bulb strength
Fall	Stop fertilizing as leaves begin to yellow
Winter	No fertilizing during dormancy

Fertilize AFTER flowering while leaves grow to rebuild bulb energy for next year's bloom.

Pruning

Frequency: After flowers fade and when leaves yellow

Best Season: After flowering and before dormancy

Remove flower stalks when flowers fade. Let leaves die naturally in fall before removing.

Repotting

Frequency: Every 2-3 years

Best Season: Before dormancy or when repotting to force

Plant with 1/3 of bulb above soil. Use snug pot - 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) wider than bulb.

Flowering

Season
Winter through spring, 6-8 weeks after planting

Color
Red, pink, white, salmon, striped varieties

Massive trumpet flowers, 4-6 per stalk. Large bulbs may produce 2-3 stalks.

Propagation Methods

Separate offset bulbs when repotting
Seeds (slow - 3-5 years to bloom)
Bulb cuttings (advanced technique)

Common Problems

Won't rebloom: Didn't receive proper dormancy period or adequate summer growth
Tall, floppy stalks: Insufficient light - rotate and stake if needed
No leaves, only flowers: Normal - leaves follow flowers
Bulb rot: Overwatering or poor drainage

Pro Tips

Rotate pot daily while blooming for straight stalk
For reblooming: give 8-10 weeks of cool (55F/13C), dry, dark dormancy in fall
Summer outdoors in bright shade strengthens bulb for next year
Larger bulbs produce more flower stalks

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