Amaryllis care: watering, light and repotting
Also called indoor amaryllis · Hippeastrum · Amaryllidaceae family
10 d in winter
How often to water the amaryllis?
Allow about 7 days between waterings in spring and summer, and 10 days in autumn and winter, when growth slows down. These rhythms apply to a room with its favourite light: in a darker room the plant drinks less; in a brighter one, it drinks more.
After flowering, keep the leaves and feed the bulb until the end of summer. Then two months dry and cool before starting it again.
What light does it need?
The amaryllis likes bright but filtered light: near an east- or west-facing window, or a little back from a south-facing one. Direct afternoon sun can mark the leaves.
Repotting and fertiliser
Repot every 3 years, ideally in October, into a pot only slightly bigger than the last one. As for fertiliser, from March to August, feeding every 2 weeks is enough; the rest of the year, let it rest.
Adult size: 16–24 in (40–60 cm) in flower.
Toxic to pets and children. Keep this plant out of reach and, if it is eaten, contact a vet or a poison control centre.
Common problems
Only leaves, no flower
Cause: Bulb not fed enough or no rest. What to do: Feed all summer, then a dry rest in autumn.
Leaning flower stalk
Cause: Light from one side only. What to do: Turn the pot every day and stake it.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you water the amaryllis?
About every 7 days in spring and summer, and every 10 days in autumn and winter, in a room with its favourite light. The darker the room, the longer you wait between waterings. Before watering, check that the top inch of soil has dried.
Where should you put the amaryllis?
The amaryllis likes bright but filtered light: near an east- or west-facing window, or a little back from a south-facing one. Direct afternoon sun can mark the leaves.
Should you mist the amaryllis?
There's no need: indoor air suits it. Wetting its leaves for no reason can even encourage disease.
When should you repot the amaryllis?
Every 3 years, ideally in October, or sooner if roots come out of the drainage hole. Choose a pot only slightly bigger, 1 to 1.5 in (2 to 4 cm) wider, always with a hole in the bottom.
Cats, dogs, children: is the amaryllis safe?
The amaryllis is toxic to pets and to children if eaten. Keep the plant out of reach and, if it's eaten, call a vet or a poison control centre.
Is it an easy plant to care for?
Yes: the amaryllis forgives a missed watering and adapts well to the home. A good plant to start with.
These are guidelines for an indoor plant in a temperate climate. Trust the soil too: a finger pushed an inch into it will tell you whether it's thirsty.