How to Care for Amaryllis: Year-Round Guide for Beautiful Blooms

Amaryllis is a vibrant, showy, and surprisingly easy-to-grow plant that rewards gardeners with large, colorful blooms during the winter or early spring. While it may seem low-maintenance, regular blooming requires proper year-round care — from planting and watering to pruning and rest.

In this article, you’ll find a complete guide on how to care for amaryllis throughout its entire life cycle. Learn the right light, watering schedule, feeding, pruning techniques, and how to manage dormancy so your plant thrives for years.

Explore our amaryllis varieties catalog to discover the most beautiful types for every home or gift occasion.

Amaryllis Basics: What You Need to Know

Before diving into detailed amaryllis care tips, it’s important to understand the plant’s core characteristics. Despite being commonly sold as a “holiday flower,” amaryllis has a long life cycle and can rebloom yearly with the right care.

Here are the essential facts:

• Type: Bulb-based flowering plant, typically grown indoors in pots.
• Bloom Season: Amaryllis usually flowers in winter or early spring, depending on when it’s planted and the temperature conditions.
• Life Cycle: Includes a growth phase, flowering period, and dormancy.
• Longevity: A well-cared-for amaryllis bulb can bloom annually for 5–10 years or more.
• Popular Use: Grown as a decorative indoor plant or given as a festive gift, especially during the winter holidays.

Understanding these basics will help you create the right growing environment and set expectations. In the following sections, we’ll guide you step-by-step through every phase of how to care for amaryllis — ensuring strong growth, beautiful flowers, and long-term success.

How to Care for Amaryllis Indoors

Caring for amaryllis indoors is simple if you provide the right conditions throughout its growth cycle. This bulbous plant thrives in home environments when given proper light, water, and temperature. 

Place your amaryllis in a spot with bright, indirect sunlight. A south- or west-facing window is ideal. Direct sunlight may scorch the leaves, while low light can result in weak growth and lack of flowers.

Water sparingly at first, especially just after planting. Once growth begins, increase watering gradually, keeping the soil slightly moist but never soggy. Always check the top inch of soil before rewatering.

Amаryllis prefers a room temperature of 18–24°C (65–75°F). Avoid placing it near heat sources or cold drafts, as extreme fluctuations can harm the bulb. Use a well-draining potting mix. A peat-based soil with added perlite or sand will allow proper aeration and prevent root rot.

Choose a pot with drainage holes to prevent excess water accumulation. Amaryllis bulbs prefer a snug fit — about 1–2 inches of space around the bulb — to encourage blooming.

With consistent amaryllis care tips applied indoors, your plant can produce brilliant, trumpet-shaped blooms year after year.

Watering and Fertilizing Schedule

A balanced amaryllis maintenance routine includes proper watering and feeding. Timing matters just as much as technique — here’s how to keep your plant healthy through every stage:

1. Initial Watering After Planting: Water just enough to moisten the soil. Wait until you see green shoots emerging before watering again to avoid rotting the dormant bulb.
2. Active Growth Period: Once the stem starts elongating and leaves appear, begin regular watering. Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. A good rule: water when the top 2.5 cm (1 inch) of soil feels dry.
3. Fertilizing: Start feeding your amaryllis every 2–4 weeks once active growth begins. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (such as 10-10-10 or 20-20-20) to promote strong leaves and future blooms.
4. After Flowering: When blooming ends, reduce watering gradually. Stop fertilizing altogether during the post-bloom phase, especially before dormancy.

By following this watering and feeding schedule, you’ll help the bulb recover after flowering and store energy for the next season. Want to know more about seasonal care? Explore our full guide on how to care for amaryllis.

Amaryllis After Blooming Care

Amaryllis after blooming care is essential if you want your plant to flower again next season. Once the vibrant blooms fade, the plant enters an important recovery and energy storage phase.

Pruning Flower Stalks

As soon as the flowers wither, cut the flower stalk (scape) back to about 3–5 cm (1–2 inches) above the bulb. Use clean, sterilized scissors or pruners to avoid introducing disease. Do not remove the leaves — they play a crucial role in the next step.

Continue Watering and Feeding

Even after the flowers are gone, your amaryllis still needs care. Keep watering moderately and fertilize every 2–4 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer. This period of leafy growth helps the bulb recharge by photosynthesizing and storing energy.

Prepare for Dormancy

Around late summer or early fall, begin preparing the plant for its dormant phase. Gradually reduce watering until the leaves naturally yellow and dry out. Do not force dormancy by cutting healthy leaves.

Rest Period

Once the leaves die back naturally, stop watering and store the bulb in a cool, dry place (10–15°C / 50–59°F) for 8–10 weeks. This rest period is critical for future flowering. For more on post-blooming steps, read our complete guide about what to do with amaryllis after it blooms.

How to Encourage Amaryllis to Rebloom

Getting your amaryllis to flower again is absolutely possible — you just need to complete the full yearly cycle. Here's how to make it happen:

• Respect the Growth Cycle: After flowering, allow the leaves to grow and feed the bulb. Don't rush the plant into dormancy — give it time to recharge.
• Avoid Premature Leaf Trimming: Cutting off green leaves too soon reduces the bulb’s ability to store energy and will delay or prevent blooming next season.
• Provide the Right Conditions: After 8–10 weeks of dormancy in a cool place (10–15°C), replant the bulb in fresh soil. Move it to a warm, bright area to resume growth. Water lightly at first, then more regularly as it grows.
• Repot Every 2–3 Years: Though amaryllis likes to be slightly root-bound, repotting periodically into fresh soil ensures optimal nutrition and blooming potential.

By following these amaryllis care tips, you can enjoy stunning blooms every year. Learn more in our guide on how to get amaryllis to rebloom.

Common Amaryllis Problems and How to Fix Them

Even though amaryllis is a relatively low-maintenance plant, it can occasionally face problems that affect growth or flowering. Understanding these issues is key to successful amaryllis maintenance.

Fungal Infections

If you notice reddish streaks or spots (commonly known as “red blotch” or Stagonospora), your amaryllis may be suffering from a fungal infection. Soft or mushy bulbs can also indicate rot. To fix this, remove infected tissue, apply a fungicide, and improve drainage conditions.

No Flowers

A common issue is amaryllis not blooming, often caused by insufficient light or poor nutrition. Make sure the plant gets at least 6 hours of indirect sunlight and receives balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Also, ensure it had a proper dormancy period.

Yellow Leaves

Yellowing leaves can be a sign of overwatering or lack of light. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering and move the plant to a brighter location. Check for root rot if yellowing continues.

Pest Infestation

Spider mites and scale insects are common pests. They can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth regularly to keep the plant clean and pest-free. Need help with other houseplant issues? Visit our houseplant troubleshooting guide.

Conclusion: Amaryllis Care Is Easy with the Right Routine

Caring for amaryllis successfully comes down to understanding its natural rhythm. The plant moves through several clear stages each year: active growth, blooming, post-bloom maintenance, and a dormant rest period. During the growing season, give your amaryllis bright, indirect light, regular watering, and balanced feeding. After flowering, continue to care for the leaves so the bulb can store enough energy. When leaves begin to yellow naturally, reduce watering and prepare the bulb for dormancy in a cool, dark place.

With just a little planning and consistency, amaryllis care tips like these can help your plant thrive for many seasons. By following the right steps throughout the year, you can enjoy vibrant blooms again and again.

Ready to start or expand your collection? Buy amaryllis bulbs today and grow beauty that lasts year after year.

FAQs About Caring for Amaryllis

Do amaryllis bulbs need to be refrigerated before planting?

No, most amaryllis bulbs sold for home growing are pre-conditioned and don’t require refrigeration. In fact, chilling them can harm tropical varieties. However, commercial growers sometimes refrigerate them to control bloom timing.

How long do amaryllis flowers last?

Amaryllis flowers usually last 2 to 3 weeks, depending on variety and indoor conditions. To prolong bloom time, keep the plant in a cool room away from direct heat and sunlight.

Can I plant amaryllis outside?

Yes, in USDA zones 8–11, you can plant amaryllis outdoors in well-drained soil. In colder climates, grow them in pots and bring them indoors before frost. Outdoor plants may rebloom annually with proper care.

Why is my amaryllis not blooming?

If your amaryllis is not blooming, it may not have had enough rest, light, or nutrients. The bulb needs a dormant period, followed by proper watering and sunlight, to initiate blooming. Poor bulb size or stress can also cause delays.

Should I cut the leaves off after flowering?

No, do not cut green leaves off right after blooming. The leaves are essential for photosynthesis and allow the bulb to store energy for the next flowering cycle. Wait until they yellow and dry naturally before trimming.