Updated 16/06/2025
Amaryllis is a striking indoor plant that’s surprisingly easy to grow. Light up your home with its stunning trumpet-like blooms, strappy leaves, and delicate fragrance.
The plant has tall, stout, dramatic flower spires, reaching 30cm to even 60cm for some varieties, and most of the flower heads are large and dramatic. They add a touch of style and glamour to any room in the home and make ideal plants to try if you’ve never grown bulbs before – just plant it in the container and add water.
The Latin name for amaryllis is Hippeastrum, which means ‘knight’s star’, and the plants originate in central and southern America.
Amaryllis bulbs make a spectacular houseplant and are great to give as a gift. They are also ideal bulbs for kids because they are so easy to grow. You jdon’t even need soil! Just water and a bright position.
Amaryllis flowers come in a range of colours, but some striking varieties are the pure white blooms of ‘Christmas Gift’, rich ruby ‘Red Lion’ and the elegant pink and white stripes of ‘Wonderland’
Some varieties such as ‘Terra Mystica’ produce smaller, elegant flowers in beautiful shades of terracotta and peach.
It’s important to note that amaryllis can be harmful when eaten for humans, cats, and dogs, so it’s wise to keep them out of reach from curious hands or paws.
When to plant amaryllis
If you want flowers at Christmas then start the bulbs off in October to give you the perfect living, colourful Christmas decoration. They are a fantastic addition to the Christmas dinner table as part of the centrepiece.
Alternatively, start them off later on in the year and fill your home with colour during the darker winter months and early spring.
How to plant amaryllis
The trick to successfully growing amaryllis is to plant the bulb in a container that is only slightly larger than the width of the bulb because they grow best when slightly pot bound.
Another top tip is to soak the bulb for a few hours which will help to hydrate the roots and give a head start to the growing process. Then, plant the bulb in peat-free all-purpose compost, leaving the top third of the bulb sitting above the soil level when you plant it.
Place the pot in a brightly lit spot on a windowsill and water sparingly until it shoots. Then, increase the watering to keep the soil moist. Be sure to turn the pot regularly too, because amaryllis grows towards the light and turning the pot will keep the stem straight.
Amaryllis should flower six to eight weeks from planting and the flowers will last for ages. To help the blooms stay fresh, move the pot to a slightly cooler but still bright spot once it starts to flower.
Amaryllis bulbs flower naturally in spring, but as houseplants they are often planted early to force flowers in time for Christmas. Simply plant the bulb in October, six to eight weeks before Christmas to make sure the plant is in flower for the big day.
How to care for amaryllis
With proper care, an amaryllis bulb can go on producing spectacular flowers year after year. To do this, feed the bulb with a balanced liquid fertiliser as it is growing and flowering. This replenishes the energy stored in the bulb, so it can flower again the following year.
Once the bulb has finished flowering and begins to dieback, cut off all the spent flowers and continue watering and fertilising. In summer the leaves will go brown – then you should stop watering and cut back the foliage.
Simply begin watering again in spring to wake the bulb up. However, don’t try and force the same bulb to flower early more than once every three years. Forcing weakens the bulb and it should be allowed to return to a normal cycle afterwards.
Amaryllis is the perfect plant to try if you’ve never grown bulbs or houseplants before because it’s so easy. Give it a go in your home this year.
Amaryllis bulb kits also make a thoughtful gift idea for your loved ones, and they suit all ages, from children to grandparents, as well as keen gardeners or even complete novices.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
1 – What is the best time to plant an amaryllis bulb indoors?
For Christmas floewrs, plant your amaryllis bulb in October, around 6-8 weeks before the big day. You can also start bulbs in late winter or early spring for bold colour when the garden’s still quiet.
2 – How deep should I plant an amaryllis bulb?
Whether using compost or pebbles, keep two-thirds of the bulb above the surface. This protects the bulb from rotting and helps encourage strong flowering.
3 – How long does it take for amaryllis to flower?
Amaryllis typically flowers 6 to 8 weeks after planting. Once in bloom, the flowers can last for weeks, especially if moved to a cooler, bright room.
4 – How do I water amaryllis bulbs indoors?
Water sparingly until you see growth, then gradually increase watering to keep the compost moist but not soggy. If grown in gravel, make sure the water level touches the root base, not the bulb itself.
5 – Where should I place an indoor amaryllis?
Keep it on a bright windowsill out of direct draughts. Turn the pot regularly to help the stem grow straight, as amaryllis tends to lean toward the light.
David Domoney is a Chartered Horticulturalist, Broadcaster, and Author. David has worked with a number of the UK’s leading garden retailers as a plant buyer and strategic consultant. With more than 30 years experience, in horticulture, David is as passionate about plants now as he was when he bought his first plant at a village fete.
Does amaryllis keep on blooming or does it need a rest
Hi Jill,
Thank’s for your comment. Most amaryllis require a period of dormancy beginning in late September. See the amaryllis aftercare for more information on how this can be done.
I hope this helps!
Planted a bulb on Oct 25th. Watered it at first planting then waited for the green to show. Now Jan 7th and nothing just a bulb. I had it at school as a project but brought it home for the holidays. Any suggestions?