Amaryllis flowers are known for their striking beauty and large, trumpet-shaped blooms. These popular plants often become a focal point in homes, especially during colder months. Their vibrant colors and impressive size make them a favored choice for indoor decoration.
Defining the Amaryllis Flower
The plant commonly known as Amaryllis produces large, showy, trumpet-shaped flowers, typically 4 to 10 inches across. These impressive blooms sit atop sturdy, leafless stems 1 to 2 feet long. Strap-like leaves emerge from the base, accompanying the flowering stalk. This popular plant grows from a bulb, which stores the energy for its dramatic emergence.
Botanical confusion surrounds the name “Amaryllis.” The plants widely cultivated and sold as “Amaryllis” for indoor blooming actually belong to the genus Hippeastrum. These Hippeastrum species are native to tropical and subtropical South America, including Brazil, Argentina, and Bolivia. In contrast, the true Amaryllis genus, containing species like Amaryllis belladonna, originates from South Africa.
While the common name “Amaryllis” persists for Hippeastrum, botanists officially clarified this distinction in 1987. Hippeastrum typically has larger flowers on a hollow stem, while Amaryllis belladonna produces smaller flowers on a solid stem. The plant recognized by most as an Amaryllis is prized for its substantial, colorful flowers that emerge from a bulb.
Caring for Your Amaryllis
Before planting, soak the bulb’s base and roots in lukewarm water for a few hours. Select a container not much wider than the bulb, and use a nutritious potting mix. Plant the bulb with its upper third to half exposed above the soil line, ensuring roots are settled before adding more soil and firming it around the bulb.
During active growth, Amaryllis thrives in bright, indirect light. A south-facing window is an ideal location, providing ample light for development. Rotating the pot every few days ensures even light exposure and promotes straight stalk growth. Spindly leaves may indicate insufficient light, which could weaken the bulb.
Watering requires careful attention to prevent root rot. After planting, water sparingly to keep the potting mixture barely moist until the stem emerges. Once the bud and leaves appear, gradually increase watering, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top 1/2 to 1 inch of soil to dry out between waterings. During blooming, regular watering maintains soil moisture, but reduce watering after the flowers fade.
Amaryllis prefers moderate indoor temperatures, ideally 65 to 75°F (18-24°C). Avoiding sudden temperature fluctuations or cold drafts ensures steady growth and prevents undue stress. Consistent conditions contribute to the plant’s overall health.
To encourage reblooming, allow the bulb to replenish its energy after the initial bloom. After flowers fade, cut spent flower stalks, but leave foliage intact. Leaves are necessary for photosynthesis, creating energy for the bulb to store. Continue to water and fertilize monthly with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer for five to six months.
To initiate dormancy, gradually reduce watering as autumn approaches. Allow leaves to yellow and die back, which typically occurs 6 to 8 weeks after flowers fade. Once foliage has withered, store the bulb in a cool, dry, dark location (e.g., basement or closet) at 40 to 60°F (10-15°C) for 8 to 12 weeks. After this rest period, replant the bulb about 8 weeks before new blooms are desired.
Beyond the Basics: Varieties and Safety
Amaryllis flowers exhibit a wide array of colors and forms, offering many choices. Common colors include shades of red, pink, white, orange, salmon, burgundy, yellow, or green. Varieties often feature two-toned petals, striking stripes, or picotee edges where petal margins are a different color. Double-flowered forms with multiple layers of petals create a fuller appearance. With over 500 known varieties, the diversity within Hippeastrum is considerable.
These plants are widely used as potted indoor plants, bringing vibrant color to homes, especially during the winter months. They are also popular as cut flowers for arrangements and are frequently given as gifts, particularly around the holiday season. In appropriate climates, Amaryllis can also be incorporated into outdoor gardens or containers as ornamental focal points.
All parts of the Amaryllis plant are considered toxic if ingested by humans or pets. The bulb, in particular, contains the highest concentration of toxic compounds, including lycorine. Ingestion can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, excessive drooling, and tremors in pets. For humans, consuming parts of the plant may cause nausea, vomiting, and salivation. While reactions are rarely life-threatening, keep Amaryllis out of reach of curious children and pets, and contact a veterinarian or poison control center if ingestion occurs.