How to Grow Amaryllis in Glass or Without Soil: A Stylish Experiment
Growing amaryllis (Hippeastrum) has traditionally meant planting bulbs in soil, but modern methods now let you create a clean, elegant, and surprisingly easy indoor display. Many gardeners choose to grow amaryllis without soil because it offers a clean, modern way to enjoy the plant’s dramatic blooms indoors. Whether you choose to grow amaryllis without soil, experiment with amaryllis in water, or try the increasingly popular no soil amaryllis setup with a waxed bulb, the result is a stunning, sculptural centerpiece that requires very little effort. These decorative approaches have become favorites among indoor gardeners who want beauty without mess. For gardeners who also enjoy classic techniques, you can explore traditional bulb care in the article about how to care for amaryllis.
Мethod 1: Growing Amaryllis in Glass or Water (Amaryllis in Glass Vase)
One of the most stylish and beginner-friendly ways to grow amaryllis without soil is by placing the bulb in a glass container. This method, often called amaryllis in glass, creates a clean, modern display where the bulb becomes part of the décor. To begin, choose a tall, narrow vase or a wide glass bowl that can support the bulb securely while keeping it lifted above the water line. The container should allow the roots to develop freely while preventing the bulb itself from sitting in water, which is crucial to avoiding rot.
Start by positioning the bulb so that only the very bottom touches the water — or sits just 1–2 mm above the water level. This slight separation encourages the roots to stretch downward naturally. Many gardeners like to add decorative stones, gravel, or glass marbles around the base of the bulb. These additions not only stabilize the bulb but also give the arrangement a polished, interior-design feel that turns a simple plant into a stylish indoor display.
Water maintenance is essential. Unlike soil setups, an amaryllis grown in glass relies on clean water for oxygen exchange and root health. Change the water once a week, ensuring it stays clear, fresh, and free of algae. If you notice cloudiness or a slight odor, replace the water immediately to prevent bacteria buildup. Keeping the water line low and stable is the key to successful no soil amaryllis growth.
One of the biggest joys of this method is visibility: you can watch the roots appear, lengthen, and anchor themselves in the vase. When you grow amaryllis without soil, the transparent vase and visible roots create a striking decorative feature that’s as beautiful as the flower itself. This creates a fascinating, almost sculptural effect that makes the plant feel alive and interactive.
Whether you're using a traditional bulb or a waxed amaryllis bulb, growing amaryllis in glass offers easy care, minimal mess, and a dazzling floral display that brightens any room.
Method 2: The Easiest Option – The Waxed Amaryllis Bulb
One of the simplest and most fascinating ways to grow amaryllis without soil is by using a waxed amaryllis bulb. This method requires absolutely no water, no soil, and no pot — just light and time. The bulb is carefully coated in a decorative layer of wax that seals in all the moisture and stored nutrients needed for growth. Because the wax prevents evaporation, the bulb can use its internal reserves to push out a tall stem and a spectacular bloom, making it one of the most effortless holiday plants available.
The advantages are straightforward: it is incredibly easy care, never needs watering, and looks like a piece of art. Waxed amaryllis bulbs are popular for holiday gift displays, small apartments, office desks, and anywhere you want to place a captivating centerpiece that requires zero maintenance. To grow it successfully, simply set the bulb on a flat surface in bright, indirect light. It does not need a container — many bulbs come with built-in metal stands or flat bases that hold them upright.
It’s important to note that waxed bulbs are a one-time experience. Because the roots cannot grow through the wax and the bulb uses up its stored energy during flowering, it will not regrow in future seasons. Unlike amaryllis in water or soil, a waxed bulb cannot be replanted. Still, the display it creates is so striking and low-effort that many people enjoy purchasing one each winter for a touch of festive elegance. Explore waxed amaryllis bulbs collection from our online store to find a perfect variety for your interior.
Essential Care Tips for No Soil Amaryllis (Water & Wax)
Whether you’ve chosen a glass-grown bulb or a waxed amaryllis, both methods of grow amaryllis without soil benefit from a few essential care tips. First, lighting is critical: place your display in bright, indirect light to encourage strong, even growth. Amaryllis grown in dim conditions may develop long, weak stems that struggle to hold the flowers upright. Maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature of 18–24°C helps the plant grow steadily and supports healthy bud development.
Because both water-grown and waxed bulbs produce tall stems topped with a spectacular bloom, stability can become a concern. For bulbs in glass, ensure the vase is weighted or wide enough to prevent tipping. For waxed bulbs, a flat, sturdy base is essential. As the flower stalk elongates, some gardeners add a small support stake or place decorative stones around the base for extra balance.
If you are growing amaryllis in water, rotate the vase every few days to help the stem grow straight, as it naturally leans toward the light. Waxed bulbs should not be rotated frequently, as the internal balance is more delicate and they can easily topple.
With the right combination of light, temperature, and support, both water-grown and waxed bulbs offer a beautiful, maintenance-light way to enjoy amaryllis indoors.
Troubleshooting the Amaryllis in Water Method
When trying to grow amaryllis without soil, the water method is stunning but can occasionally come with challenges. One of the most common issues is rotting, which happens when the bulb sits too deep in the water. Only the very bottom of the basal plate or the root tips should touch the water — never the entire bulb. If too much of the bulb is submerged, it begins to soften, mold, or collapse. Keeping the water level low is the simplest and most effective solution.
Another concern is the appearance of green algae on the vase or stones. This usually means the amaryllis is placed in direct sunlight for too long. While the plant needs bright conditions, direct sun warms the water and encourages algae growth. To fix this, move the vase to bright indirect light and replace the water more frequently — about once a week or sooner if it turns cloudy.
A third issue is lack of growth. If the bulb seems inactive for weeks, it may not have completed its natural dormancy period before being placed in water. Dormancy is essential for triggering the flowering cycle. The solution is simple but requires patience: allow the bulb more time in a cool (not cold), lightly shaded place until it naturally awakens. Once it begins to send out root tips or a green shoot, move it back into bright light and continue your normal care routine.
With careful attention to water depth, light placement, and bulb readiness, the amaryllis in water method remains one of the most visually rewarding ways to grow amaryllis without soil.
Long-Term Perspective: What to Do After the Spectacular Bloom
After the flowers fade, it’s important to know what comes next for your no-soil amaryllis setup. A waxed amaryllis bulb is generally considered a one-season display. Because the wax prevents root growth and the bulb expends all of its stored energy during flowering, it cannot rebuild reserves. Most gardeners simply discard the bulb after blooming, as it cannot enter a proper regrowth cycle. Those curious about alternatives can read more in our article about what to do with waxed amaryllis after it blooms.
For an amaryllis in water, however, there is a possibility of continuing its life. Once the bloom fades, you can transition the bulb into fresh potting mix. Unlike waxed bulbs, water-grown bulbs can regrow roots and leaves once placed in soil. Allowing the plant to develop foliage is essential for restoring energy and restarting the amaryllis rebloom cycle. The leaves must grow for several months to recharge the bulb before it can enter next year’s rest period.
It’s important to remember that both methods offer easy care and create a stunning centerpiece, but only the soil-grown approach supports long-term reblooming. Waxed and water displays are perfect for seasonal decoration, while planting in soil is best for gardeners who want years of flowers. No matter which method you choose, the beauty of grow amaryllis without soil is that it opens the door to creativity and modern indoor styling.
Conclusion: The Stylish Simplicity of No Soil Amaryllis
Growing amaryllis without soil — whether you choose an amaryllis in glass vase or a waxed amaryllis bulb — offers a modern, elegant way to enjoy a spectacular bloom with almost no effort. These minimalist methods create a stylish indoor display that works beautifully as a seasonal decoration or a captivating centerpiece. With just light, warmth, and a bit of attention, anyone can bring this dramatic flower into their home. Explore amaryllis bulbs collection from our online store and choose the easy-care method that best fits your décor and lifestyle!
FAQ About Growing Amaryllis Without Soil
Can I use tap water for amaryllis in glass vase?
Yes, you can use tap water for an amaryllis in glass vase, as long as the water is clean and chlorine levels are not excessively high. Letting tap water sit for 24 hours before use helps dissipate chlorine. Keep the water level low so it only touches the roots. With weekly water changes, you can successfully grow amaryllis without soil and avoid rot.
Why did my waxed amaryllis bulb only produce one stem?
A waxed amaryllis bulb often produces only one flowering stem because it contains limited stored energy. Since it cannot grow roots or take in nutrients, everything depends on what the bulb had before waxing. This is normal for waxed bulbs. They provide an easy, decorative way to enjoy a spectacular bloom, but they are designed for a single season.
How can I make my no soil amaryllis a captivating centerpiece?
To turn your no soil amaryllis into a captivating centerpiece, use a tall glass vase, decorative stones, or metallic elements to highlight the bulb’s natural shape. Pair the display with candles or evergreen branches for a holiday look. Good lighting is essential — bright, indirect light helps the stem grow straight and enhances the dramatic form of an amaryllis in water.
Is it possible to grow amaryllis without soil year after year?
Technically, you can attempt to reuse an amaryllis in water, but it’s challenging. After blooming, the bulb must return to soil to rebuild its energy, since no-soil setups don’t support long-term storage of nutrients. Waxed bulbs cannot regrow at all. For multi-year flowering, transition the bulb to potting mix after blooming rather than continuing to grow amaryllis without soil the following season.
Does amaryllis in water need fertilizer?
No — an amaryllis in water does not need fertilizer while blooming. The bulb contains all the stored nutrients required for the flowering cycle. Adding fertilizer to the water may actually cause rot or algae. Only after transitioning the bulb to soil for long-term growth would you begin a standard feeding routine. For display-only purposes, it remains fully self-sufficient.