Grow Amaryllis With Light, Pot With Good Drainage

Q: How do I care for my amaryllis? I would like to get it to flower again next year.

A: Amaryllis (actually Hippeastrum) bulbs are usually sold planted in a very peaty medium. Some, however, may be purchased with the bulb, soil mix, and pot separate; you must do the actual planting.

If the bulb hasn't already been planted, make sure the pot you use has drainage holes in the bottom. If it doesn't, throw it away or drill some holes in it. You also may want to replace the growing medium that is supplied, if it appears to be all peat, with a mix containing some coarse aggregate material like pumice, sand or perlite. You can also add the particles yourself.

Plant the bulb so the neck is sticking out of the medium. Water it sufficiently to moisten the mix completely. If it has been planted in peat, water it from the bottom or submerge the pot in water. Dry peat resists being watered from the top.

You must keep your amaryllis in a brightly lighted location, such as near a south or west facing window. Turn the pot frequently so it doesn't lean and fall over.

In order for it to flower again next season, the plant must be kept in vigorous growth. Plenty of light, an even supply of moisture and an application of fertilizer every two weeks or so are essential. Deep green, swollen leaves generally indicate it's doing well.

After the flowers have died, cut off the flower stalks. In spring after the frost danger has passed in your area, put the plant outdoors in a well-lighted spot, keeping it watered and fertilized all summer.

When the foliage begins to yellow in August or September, bring the plant indoors to a dark location and lay the pot on its side, keeping it that way for about 3 months. During this time it must be allowed to go completely dry and dormant. It needs this rest period for it to bloom again.

To restart it next year, water it. If all went well, a flower-bud stalk should begin to grow first, or concurrently with, new foliage. If the bulb increased in size during the previous growth cycle so that it's pretty tight in its old pot, you may wish to repot it before starting it on its new cycle.

An amaryllis bulb can be kept indefinitely this way. In fact, it may eventually reach 4 to 6 inches in diameter, and as it gets larger, it's quite likely to produce more and more blooms.

Gardening runs Friday in Scene and Sunday in Home/Real Estate. It is prepared by George Pinyuh and Holly Kennell, Washington State University/King County Cooperative Extension agents, Mary Robson, Master Gardener program assistant, and volunteer Master Gardeners.