Amaryllis is a familiar sight around the holidays, when these enormous bulbs appear in every store. Because they’re simple to grow and yield lovely blossoms in the winter, they’re a popular gift. Planting these bulbs in a container is one way to ensure that they flower every year, even though they can survive without soil or water if they are waxed. While a single bulb can provide several enormous flowers, you can mix and match a few different varieties or plant three bulbs of the same variety in one pot to optimize the show.
Tip: Keep amaryllis flowers out of direct sun and in temperatures between 55° and 70° F to help them last longer.
What You’ll Need
Materials
- Potting mix
- Tub, to mix potting soil
- Container with drainage hole, 6-inch for one bulb, 10- to 12-inch for groups of three bulbs
Small piece of mesh screen - Amaryllis bulb(s)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Pot and Soil
To prevent soil from escaping, cover the drainage hole with a square of mesh screen. Fill a tub with potting mix and then lightly water it. Mix the dirt and water until the mixture is slightly wet but not drenched.
Step 2: Add Soil to Container
Wet potting mix should be poured halfway into the container. As you proceed, don’t compact the soil. It is easier to position the lightbulb at the proper height if it is just halfway filled.
Step 3: Place Bulb
Nestle the bulb into the center of the container. If you’re planting more than one amaryllis in the same container, place bulbs shoulder to shoulder. The bulbs should feel firm and have plenty of roots at the bases.
Step 4: Fill In Around the Bulb
Add more potting mix but leave the top third of the bulb uncovered. Tamp down the soil around the bulb with your hands to settle the potting mix. Water well, being careful not to wet the exposed top of the bulb. Add a label so you’ll remember the variety name.
