How to Plant and Grow Amaryllis Indoors

Amaryllis, also known as Hippeastrum, are tender bulbs that
can’t tolerate frost, which makes them perfect for indoor displays. With the
right care, they’ll reward you with huge, show-stopping blooms that brighten
your home through the winter months.

When to plant:

The ideal time to plant amaryllis bulbs is from October through December.
Choose a sturdy pot that’s just a little wider than the bulb—about 3 cm of
space around the sides is perfect. Make sure the pot has a drainage hole at the
base and place it on a saucer or tray to catch excess water.

Planting your bulb:

Position the bulb so that the “neck” (the top part of the bulb) will sit above
the rim once filled. Backfill carefully with compost around the sides of the
bulb, pressing gently to keep it secure. The bulb should be buried up to its
neck, but never fully covered.

Watering:

After planting, water the bulb thoroughly to help it settle. Going forward,
keep the compost lightly moist by watering whenever the top layer of soil feels
dry. Avoid overwatering, as amaryllis bulbs dislike sitting in soggy soil.

Where to place your amaryllis:

Put the pot in a warm, sunny spot indoors—such as a bright windowsill in your
kitchen or living room. A temperature of around 18–22°C (65–72°F) encourages
strong growth and flowering. With proper care, you can expect dramatic
trumpet-shaped flowers to appear in 6–10 weeks, making amaryllis one of the
easiest and most rewarding bulbs to grow indoors.

Aftercare & Reblooming:

Once the flowers have faded, snip off the spent blooms but leave the flower
stalk to die back naturally. Continue watering and feeding the plant every 2–3
weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer—this helps the bulb recharge for next
year. When the foliage eventually yellows and withers, reduce watering and let
the bulb go dormant. Store the pot in a cool, dark place for at least 8–10
weeks. In autumn, repot the bulb in fresh compost and begin watering again to
trigger another stunning display. With the right aftercare, amaryllis bulbs can
flower year after year.