Enjoy stunning winter blooms with this easy Christmas amaryllis care guide. Learn everything you need to know about growing and keeping your amaryllis bulbs healthy.
With their dramatic trumpet-shaped blooms and vibrant colors, amaryllis are a true showstopper during the holiday season. But did you know these festive flowers are surprisingly easy to grow?
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, this guide provides all the essential information you need to care for your Christmas amaryllis before, during, and after blooming.
Plus, they make fantastic gifts for friends and family who appreciate a touch of natural beauty during the holidays. So, let’s dive in and chat about the secrets to keeping your amaryllis thriving and bringing festive cheer to your home all winter long!
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All About Amaryllis Plants
The amaryllis is a tender bulb hardy to USDA zones 7 to 8 or higher that comes from South America. They are huge bulbs that produce gorgeous large trumpet flowers. Amaryllis flowers add lots of bold color indoors and make great gifts for gardeners of any skill. Depending on the variety, the amaryllis bloom can be either individual flowers or double flowering.
And the blooms can be pretty big!
Types of Amaryllis Plants
There are about 90 varieties of amaryllis plants and many different colors available today. The plant we typically call amaryllis today is native to South America and thrives in tropical and subtropical regions.
Amaryllis blooms may be white, red, pink, apricot, and even bicolor, striped flowers. These festive colors are a big part of why these flowers make such great Christmas plants!
They’re actually one of my favorite Christmas hostess gifts to give because they’re easy to care for and really brighten up the cold winter months.
Why Are Amaryllis Given at Christmas?
So, how did amaryllis become one of the common plants of Christmas (right up there with the poinsettia)? One reason is likely because of its ability to bloom during the winter, so it’s ready to decorate your home with holiday colors.
In Victorian times, amaryllis were associated with strength and determination because of their height and sturdiness. Amaryllis was also commonly gifted to celebrate an achievement or success (like making it through another year!).
But no matter the symbolism behind them, amaryllis are popular Christmas flowers to grow and gift today.
Where to Buy Amaryllis
Amaryllis bulbs can be found at your local nursery, big box stores, markets, and online retailers. I love to shop online because there is a greater selection. Some of my favorite online sources include:
- White Flower Farm
- Longfield Gardens
- Gardener’s Supply
How to Select Amaryllis Bulbs
Because they are so easy to grow and produce big, gorgeous blooms, amaryllis are a must-have this winter. Here’s what to look for when purchasing bulbs:
- Select the largest bulbs available because larger bulbs typically produce more flowers.
- Avoid bulbs with signs of mold, decay or injury.
- Bulbs should be firm and dry.
Supplies Needed to Grow Amaryllis Indoors
You can purchase supplies need to grow amaryllis as a kit or you can piece it together yourself. Here’s what you need to plant amaryllis.
- Amaryllis Bulb
- Nursery pots
- Sterile Potting Soil
- Decorative Container
As a general rule, it’s a good idea to use a heavy pot to plant amaryllis because the stalks and flower spike can get top heavy when the amaryllis blooms. Thus, a heavier container will help weigh it down. However, you could also add a support stake to help keep the green stalk sturdy and the blooms upright.
How to Plant and Provide Christmas Amaryllis Care
Once you have everything needed to plant, this is how to plant and provide Christmas amaryllis care. Caring for amaryllis plants is so simple. Here’s how to grow these gorgeous colorful flowers.
Choosing a Container
Choose a container with a good drainage hole because good drainage prevents root rot, pest, and disease problems. As a general rule, the container’s diameter should be an inch or so wider than the diameter of the bulb which is the widest part of the bulb and twice as tall as the bulb. The container should have a little weight to it to help keep the amaryllis stable while it grows. Because amaryllis flowers grow pretty tall and get a little top-heavy.
Planting
Before planting, fill the container halfway with sterile fresh potting soil that is high in organic matter.
- Plant the amaryllis bulb pointed end up so the roots sit on the potting soil.
- The pointed end is the top of the bulb.
- Backfill with soil until about the top third of the bulb is visible.
- Tamp down on the potting medium surrounding the bulb.
- And then water after planted.
I typically leave them alone after this and only occasionally give them a drink of water. They don’t need much to grow and thrive so definitely don’t overdo it.
Staking
Consider adding a stake to help the flower stalk remain stable while it grows.
Location
Move the planter to a location where it will receive indirect bright light, like a sunny windowsill. It’s also a good idea to consider your room temperature because growing them at a higher temperature can lead to a weaker flower stalk and smaller flowers. Keeping your amaryllis out of direct sunlight and in cool temperatures (between 60-70F) can help your blooms last longer.
Watering
As a general rule, water thoroughly until the soil is moist. Make sure the container drains thoroughly and dump any water sitting in the bottom of the saucer or decorative container.
Only water when the top 2 inches of soil is dry and make sure the container fully drains excess water. Use this test to determine soil dryness. But to give you a frame of reference, I very rarely water my amaryllis; they are that low-maintenance.
Christmas Amaryllis Care After It Flowers
While many toss their amaryllis bulbs after they are done flowering, it is possible to keep them for future blooms. Here are some amaryllis care tips to keep plants happy and healthy after they produce a full bloom.
How long do Christmas amaryllis last?
Amaryllis flowers generally bloom for a couple of weeks. If you move the plant out of direct sunlight and into a cooler location once the flower buds start to show color, you can keep your plant blooming for longer. The really cool thing about amaryllis, though, is that the bulbs themselves can actually last years – and even decades!
I’ll admit that I don’t personally try to regrow my amaryllis each year. While it’s absolutely possible, I prefer to treat them like annuals and get new bulbs each year. For me, it’s easier!
What to do with a Christmas amaryllis after it blooms?
- When the old flowers fade, cut off the faded flowers to prevent it from going to seed. This encourages the bulb to store energy for future blooms next year. If we don’t cut them off, seed formation depletes energy and reduces blooms.
- Cut the flower stalk back when it turns yellow. Do not cut it back while still green because it’s still storing energy for future growth and blooms.
- When it’s done blooming, place it in a sunny location so it can continue to grow.
- Water and fertilize the plant regularly with an all-purpose houseplant plant fertilizer.
- After the plant dies back, allow the pot to completely dry out.
- Store in a cool, dark, and dry place for at least 8 weeks.
Can Christmas amaryllis be planted outside?
Once there is no danger of frost, amaryllis plants can be moved outside for the summer. Start by placing it in shade or indirect light and then gradually move the amaryllis to an area where it will receive full sun for at least 6 hours daily.
You can grow amaryllis as a container plant on a patio, porch, or deck, or plant the whole pot in the ground. The roots are brittle and very hard to dig back up later, so it’s not recommended to plant amaryllis directly in the ground without its pot.
Make sure to bring them indoors before there’s any risk of frost in the fall and store them in a cool, dark place like a basement or closet (45-55ºF is ideal), and do not water. This will help the bulbs enter a state of dormancy.
Will a Christmas amaryllis bloom again?
It is possible for a Christmas amaryllis bulb to bloom year after year! The key is to keep the plant actively growing after they have finished blooming, by caring for the potted amaryllis leaves as described above.
The amaryllis leaves will start to die back in mid- to late-summer. Bringing the plant indoors in the fall will help the bulb enter a state of dormancy. Once the leaves become dry and shriveled, you can remove them. Then, store the potted bulb in a cool, dark, and dry place for at least 8 weeks (a basement is usually a good option!).
To encourage amaryllis rebloom, repeat the planting and care process with fresh soil and place in indirect light about 6-8 weeks before you want it to bloom. If you’re looking for a Christmas amaryllis to enjoy, then you’ll want to start bringing your bulb out of dormancy in early November.
Decorating with Amaryllis
Amaryllis are a beautiful and festive way to decorate your home for the holidays. Here are a few ideas for how to incorporate them into your decor:
- Place a single amaryllis bulb in a vase or container. This is a simple and elegant way to display the flower.
- Group several amaryllis bulbs together in a pot. This will create a more dramatic display.
- Use amaryllis as part of a centerpiece for your dining table or coffee table.
- Place amaryllis in unexpected places, such as on a bookshelf or in a bathroom.
- Add amaryllis to your holiday decorations, such as wreaths and garlands.
- Get creative with your amaryllis arrangements. Try using different colors and varieties of amaryllis.
No matter how you choose to decorate with amaryllis, they are sure to add a touch of elegance and beauty to your home.
Additional Tips
Here are a few additional tips for decorating with amaryllis because with proper care, your amaryllis can last for several weeks.
- Choose a vase or container that complements the color of your amaryllis.
- Cut the stems of your amaryllis at an angle to help them absorb water more easily.
- When decorating with fresh cut amaryllis, change the water in your amaryllis vase every few days.
- Place your amaryllis in a cool, dark place when they are not on display.
Troubleshooting Common Christmas Amaryllis Care Problems
Why isn’t my amaryllis blooming?
If you’ve been providing the best Christmas amaryllis care and your bulb is still not flowering, there could be a few issues at play. Some problems include:
- Storing the bulbs away for dormancy too early, such as before the leaves yellow and die back naturally.
- Not giving your plant enough sunlight.
- Planting the bulb in soil with too much nitrogen fertilizer or too much water. Nitrogen promotes amaryllis leaves instead of flowers.
Why are there red spots on my amaryllis leaves?
Red, rust-like spots on amaryllis leaves is a sign of a common amaryllis blight called red blotch. This fungus can infect the amaryllis bulb and cause red blotches (hence the name!) on the leaves.
Red blotch usually affects plants that are in shade and watered frequently. If you purchase a pre-potted amaryllis bulb or a Christmas amaryllis kit, you’re unlikely to encounter any issues with red blotch. But if you keep up with Christmas amaryllis care throughout the year, bulbs can develop this fungal issue.
Throw away any heavily infected bulbs. For bulbs with a small amount of red blotch, you can dig them up, remove infected scales, and soak them for 30 minutes in hot water before replanting in fresh soil. I’ve not tried this before, but some home growers have found success with this. For me, I’d rather toss them and purchase new bulbs.
Learn more about these amaryllis issues from the University of Florida.
More About Growing Amaryllis Bulbs
While it’s certainly rewarding to overwinter bulbs and enjoy their blooms year after year, I personally can’t resist the thrill of starting fresh each fall. The anticipation of browsing catalogs and nurseries, selecting new and exciting varieties, and imagining the vibrant colors that will soon fill my home and garden is simply too much fun!
Plus, sharing bulbs with friends and family is a joy in itself, spreading the beauty and anticipation of spring. So, whether you choose to overwinter your bulbs or treat them as annuals, remember that the true magic lies in the journey and the joy they bring. Happy bulb shopping and happy growing!
For more information about growing amaryllis, read this article from the Penn State Cooperative Extension.
Have you grown amaryllis before? Did you order any yet for the holidays this year? Tell me about what you ordered or your favorite varieties in the comments below. I’d love to chat more!
Thank you so much for following along.
Enjoy a beautiful day! xo
