How Often To Water Amaryllis

Water is the primary element needed for plant growth and development. Any lacking and excess of this liquid will have an impact on the overall proliferation and thriving of the plant. We have researched every aspect you need to know about amaryllis that you will surely benefit from.

Water your amaryllis at least once a week, but make sure that moisture is maintained in the soil. During the growing season, water the amaryllis bulb using a sprinkler system or another irrigation method that penetrates the soil thoroughly.

Each form of vegetation, crop, and growth has specific planting requirements. Paying attention to their needs will surely help in their development. This article aims to guide you with planting, growing, and caring for Amaryllis.

Beautiful red amaryllis flowers and tableware on counter indoors, How Often To Water Amaryllis

What are Amaryllis: An overview

Amaryllis comes from the Greek word amarysso which translates to "to sparkle." Although the etymology is from Greece, this plant is actually a native of Africa. While this is the case, it has a quite interesting origin story in greek mythology.

It was introduced in European countries during the 16th century. In the midst of the victorian era, the people associated this plant with strength and firmness due to its height and solidity.

Amaryllis is a flowering bulb and it is one of the easiest and most beautiful flowers to grow. This plant comes in different colors from silky crimson to pink, peach, white, and pale green. It is a trumpet-shaped flower that can grow up to 8" in diameter.

Amaryllis are tropical plants that can only be grown in zones 9 to 12. The bulbs bloom in late winter and early spring when cultivated outside in frost-free areas. Amaryllis bulbs are planted inside in cooler climates for blossoms between November and April.

Beautiful red white hippeastrum, amaryllis flowers in the garden

Water Requirements

Hippeastrum in a white background whit black pot with colorful red flower

When watering amaryllis, you will need to avoid soaking the soil and watering the exposed part of the bulb above the ground because too much water will cause the plant to rot or decay. Do not overwater, but always check if the soil is moist because this specific plant prefers damp environments.

Inspect if the first two inches of the upper layer of the soil are dry. If so, gently sprinkle water onto the container, and ensure that the liquid drains properly. It is not recommended to let the plant soak in water because it will lead to bulb and root decay, and as such, attract pests.

Fertilizing

In order to facilitate blooming, use fertilizers that are high in phosphorus. This element is vital in the formation, growth, and development of plants.

Apply a slow-release fertilizer every three to four months, however, for a liquid fertilizer, feed the plant two to four times a month. As much as possible always make sure to give a proper or more natural sunlight to ensure proper development of the bulb. A 10-10-10 N-P-K fertilizer is the recommended ratio.

Plant Care After Flowering

Woman gardeners watering plant in marble ceramic pots on the white wooden table

For amaryllis to continue on thriving for the years to come, you have to properly care for them every after the blooming season. Once the flowers are close to wilting, immediately cut them off to prevent the formation of embryos.

Seed development often hinders flowering because all the energy reserves of the bulb have been used for that process. Do not cut the flower stem if it has not turned yellow because a green stalk still performs photosynthesis which is essential for leaf growth and flowering.

After the blooming period, place your amaryllis indoors where it can get plenty of sunlight exposure to enhance leaf development. Leaves have an integral part in the process of photosynthesis.

Slowly put the amaryllis outside for better sunlight exposure. It requires full sun for at least six hours daily. However, during the winter season, this plant should be brought inside the house because it cannot survive freezing temperatures.

Planting Amaryllis [Outdoors]

Plant amaryllis in the ground the same way you would in a container: neck deep with the top third of the bulb reaching out above the soil level. Plants should be spaced 12-15 inches (30-38 cm) apart. Water thoroughly after planting until the plants are established.

Amaryllis can thrive in both the sun and the shade but prefers to be in the middle, such as partial shade. Too much sunlight might cause leaf burn, while too much shadow can limit flowering.

Also, these bulbs prefer soil that drains well. Raised beds or the addition of organic matter like as peat or compost can help with drainage. Amended soil will provide supply of minerals for the optimal growth of amaryllis.

Planting Amaryllis [Indoors]

Planting amaryllis indoors the pot should be two inches larger than the width of the bulb. Fill the bottom of the pot with a few inches of dirt, then top with the same quantity of soil as if you were planting outside, covering 2/3 of the bulb.

To complement the flower's color, add some ornamental moss or glass beads on top. It should be watered and well drained. Allow the top of the soil to dry between waterings, but keep the soil continually moist as it blooms.

Amaryllis Planting Tips:

  • The planting season is from November through April.
  • From late December through the end of June, the plant blooms.
  • The flowering period lasts 7-10 weeks.
  • More flowers are produced by larger bulbs.
  • Unplanted bulbs should be kept cool, between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Important considerations:

After Flowering

After flowering, we can now cut the old flower from the stem so that it can bloom new flowers again.

Bulb Storage

Clean the bulb and store it in a cool (40-50 degrees F) dark location for at least six weeks, such as the crisper of your refrigerator. Keep the bulbs for at least 6 weeks.

Leaf Growth and Development

Allow the leaves to fully develop and flourish by watering and fertilizing as usual during the summer or for at least 5-6 months. Cut the leaves back about two inches from the top of the bulb and remove them from the soil when the leaves turn yellow, which usually happens in the early fall.

Plant again

After six weeks, you can extract the bulbs and plant them any time you like. Plant bulbs eight weeks ahead of when you want them to blossom.

Why Is My Amaryllis Only Growing Leaves?

Pink Amaryllis flower blooms in the garden with Amaryllis

You’ll need a basic understanding of how an amaryllis bulb lives in the garden. The way the plant was cultivated after its first bloom is most likely the culprit why it has leaves but bears no flowers.

What To Do

Reblooming the plant too quickly can affect its general capacity to bloom flowers. The bulb needs ample time to regenerate and reserve nutrients.

The moment you see that the flowers begin to fade, cut the stem but not the leaves. Place the plant in an area where it can get enough sunlight exposure. Water and feed the plant every week until the leaves start to fade.

At this point, your amaryllis only consists of leaves. This is the time when you will stop watering the plant because the bulb needs to be completely dry. Allow the bulb to sit in a cool, dry, and dark location for six to twelve weeks.

Giving your amaryllis a lesser amount of rest can now result in the plant having lush leafy growth and no flowers. Furthermore, after the flower fades and you do not give the bulbs enough time to regenerate and have enough sunlight exposure, the plant will most likely not bloom.

What Is The Lifespan Of Amaryllis?

Mostly the lifespan of amaryllis is a month or six weeks, but the amaryllis bulb can grow, bloom, and rebloom. The lifespan of a bulb is about 25 years if only taken care of properly.

In Closing

Beautiful red amaryllis flowers and tableware on counter indoors

Amaryllis is quite a fascinating plant. It may be sensitive when it comes to its growth and care requirements, however, the joy and satisfaction it brings are totally worth it. Do not forget to water your amaryllis every week and do not let the soil be dry! We hope you have found this article helpful and informative. Happy planting!

Learn more about your bulb care, check out our related posts:

Should You Deadhead Amaryllis? [And How To] 

When To Plant Tulip Bulbs?

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