Key Takeaways
- Plant amaryllis bulbs in the first week of November so the flowers open six to eight weeks later, right around Christmas Day.
- Set the bulb with its top third above the soil in a pot with drainage holes, then water lightly until green growth appears.
- Give the plant bright, indirect light, turn the pot every few days, and stake tall stems before the heavy blooms open.
Amaryllis care is simple when you plant the bulb in early November, so the flowers open in time for Christmas Day. Most amaryllis bulbs bloom six to eight weeks after planting, which makes the first week of November the sweet spot for a Christmas display. A single bulb produces one or two tall stems, each carrying trumpet-shaped flowers in red, white, pink or striped shades. This guide walks through ten amaryllis care tips, from choosing a healthy bulb and the right pot to watering, light and support, so your plant looks its best on Christmas Day.
When Should I Plant Amaryllis for Christmas Blooms?
Plant amaryllis bulbs in the first week of November for flowers by Christmas Day. Most bulbs take six to eight weeks from planting to bloom, so a bulb planted around 3 November usually opens in mid to late December. If you plant later in November, the flowers may open after Christmas, though the plant will still bloom beautifully in January.
Choose a bulb that feels firm and heavy, with no soft spots or mould on the skin. Larger bulbs usually produce two stems and more flowers, so pick the biggest healthy bulb you can find. Check the base for small roots, which show the bulb is alive and ready to grow, and avoid any bulb that feels light or hollow.
What Size Pot Does an Amaryllis Bulb Need?
Choose a pot about 5 to 7 centimetres wider than the bulb, with drainage holes underneath. Amaryllis bulbs like a snug fit, and a pot that is too large holds extra soil that stays wet and can rot the bulb. A heavy pot is best, since a tall stem with big flowers can tip a light container over.
Fill the pot with free-draining potting mix, leaving room to set the bulb with its top third above the soil surface. Firm the mix gently around the bulb without pressing it hard, then water once so the soil settles. Place the pot somewhere warm and bright, and add a layer of small stones on the surface if you like a tidy finish.
How Often Should I Water an Amaryllis?
Water amaryllis sparingly at first, then more often once the stem and leaves are growing. Give the soil a light watering after planting, and wait until the top of the soil feels dry before watering again. Once the stem is tall and the flowers are opening, water about once a week, keeping the soil damp but never soggy.
A bulb with no roots yet cannot use much water, so overwatering at the start is the most common cause of rot. Tip out any water that collects in the saucer after watering, and never let the bulb sit in standing water. If the leaves turn yellow and soft, let the soil dry out for a few days and move the plant to a brighter spot.
How Do I Keep Amaryllis Stems From Falling Over?
Stake tall amaryllis stems early, before the flowers open and make the stem top-heavy. Push a bamboo cane into the soil beside the bulb, taking care not to pierce it, and tie the stem to the cane with soft twine. Turn the pot a quarter turn every few days so the stem grows straight instead of leaning toward the window.
Amaryllis stems grow quickly toward the light, sometimes a few centimetres a day, so regular turning keeps them upright and even. Place the pot away from radiators and draughts, since heat and cold air can bend a tall stem. If a stem does lean, move the cane closer and add a second tie near the top of the stem for extra support.
10 Amaryllis Care Tips for Blooms by Christmas Day
Use these ten amaryllis care tips together, from planting day to the first open flower, for a plant that peaks at Christmas.
- Plant in the first week of November — Bulbs planted in early November usually bloom in six to eight weeks, just in time for Christmas Day.
- Pick a firm, heavy bulb — Choose the largest healthy bulb you can find, with no soft spots, mould or dried-out roots at the base.
- Use a snug, heavy pot — A pot 5 to 7 centimetres wider than the bulb keeps the plant stable and the soil from staying too wet.
- Leave the top third exposed — Set the bulb so its neck and tip sit above the soil, which helps the stem emerge cleanly and the bulb stay dry.
- Water lightly until growth starts — Water once after planting, then wait for the soil surface to dry before watering again.
- Give it bright, indirect light — A sunny windowsill with sheer curtains suits amaryllis, and light helps the stem grow strong and straight.
- Turn the pot every few days — A quarter turn every two or three days stops the stem leaning toward the window.
- Stake the stem before it blooms — Add a bamboo cane early and tie the stem loosely, so the heavy flowers cannot pull the plant over.
- Keep it warm and draught-free — Room temperature suits amaryllis, so keep the plant away from radiators, cold windows and open doors.
- Cut the stalk after flowering — Snip the flower stalk near the base once the blooms fade, and keep watering the leaves so the bulb stores energy.
Amaryllis care is mostly about timing, light and a light hand with the water. Plant in the first week of November, give the bulb a snug pot and a bright spot, and the flowers should open on schedule for Christmas Day.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant amaryllis for Christmas?
Plant amaryllis bulbs in the first week of November. Most bulbs bloom six to eight weeks after planting, so a bulb planted in early November usually flowers in mid to late December, in time for Christmas Day.
How long do amaryllis flowers last?
Each amaryllis flower lasts about one to two weeks, and a stem with several buds can stay in bloom for three weeks or more as the buds open one after another.
Can I reuse an amaryllis bulb next year?
Yes. After flowering, cut off the stalk and keep watering and feeding the leaves until they yellow. Store the bulb somewhere cool and dry, then plant it again in autumn for another round of flowers.
Why is my amaryllis growing leaves but no flowers?
A bulb that only grows leaves may have been planted too late, kept too dark, or stored without enough rest. Give it bright light, feed it through summer, and let the leaves die back naturally before replanting.