This South American native is easy to care for and can be forced into bloom again and again. It has a dormant  rest period when leaves dry up. The bulbs are usually widely available as breeders have concentrated on developing many hybrids.

Light:

Amaryllis needs bright light, with some direct sunlight during the active growth period, and no light required when in dormancy. Continue giving bright light from the time flowers fade until mid-fall to contribute to subsequent flowering.

Watering:

Newly planted bulbs are best watered sparingly, just enough to keep potting soil barely moist, until the roots develop (indicated by the appearance of new healthy growth). Thereafter, water moderately, by letting the top half of the soil mixture dry out between waterings. When the plant is in full growth keep the soil mixture moist just below the bulb. When active growth period has ended, you can continue to water at a reduced scale for quite a while, but it is best to stop in mid-fall, so the bulb begins to get into an enforced rest period.

When watering stops, the foliage will yellow and wither away naturally and can be removed. If watering is continued too long, the past year's foliage will remain green and may become unattractive and unwieldy. Keep the potting mixture completely dry throughout the needed rest period, which lasts until new growth starts to appear (usually flower tip starts to show).

Temperature:

Normal room temperature will encourage good growth and early flowering, but too much heat will considerably shorten flowering life. A temperature no higher than about 55 - 70 degrees F. is best during early growth and flowering period. A temperature of around 50 degrees F. is best for fall dormancy.

For additional information on Amaryllis care, including fertilizer, what to do after blooming, dormancy, potting and how to address problems, click here to see our Guide to Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) Care.

For tips on a variety of gardening topics, see our Plant Information Guides.
- Courtesy of NYBG Plant Information Service