Amaryllis
Hippeastrum spp.
A popular bulbous perennial plant featuring large, showy, trumpet-shaped red flowers atop tall, thick, hollow green stems, accompanied by long, strap-shaped basal leaves.
- Light
- Bright indirect light for 6 to 8 hours per day; protect from harsh direct afternoon sunlight.
- Water
- Water moderately when the soil feels dry to the touch. Ensure excellent drainage and never let the bulb sit in standing water to prevent root rot.
- Growth
- Bulbous perennial plant with an upright, rigid growth habit, growing to a mature height of 18 to 24 inches with a spread of 6 to 12 inches.
Care instructions
Place in bright indirect light during active growth. Water thoroughly when the top two inches of soil are dry, and reduce watering significantly during the dormant period. Use a well-draining potting mix and feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every two to four weeks while actively growing.
Growing details
Sunlight
Bright indirect light for 6 to 8 hours per day; protect from harsh direct afternoon sunlight.
Watering
Water moderately when the soil feels dry to the touch. Ensure excellent drainage and never let the bulb sit in standing water to prevent root rot.
Soil
Rich, well-draining loamy potting soil with a neutral pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
Hardiness zone
USDA Hardiness Zones 9 to 11 when grown outdoors; commonly cultivated as an indoor potted plant in cooler regions.
Growth habit
Bulbous perennial plant with an upright, rigid growth habit, growing to a mature height of 18 to 24 inches with a spread of 6 to 12 inches.
Bloom season
Typically blooms indoors in winter or early spring, producing large, vibrant red, pink, white, or striped trumpet-shaped flowers.
Propagation
Propagated by separating offsets (small bulbs) that form around the mother bulb during repotting, or by growing from seed.
Common pests & issues
Susceptible to bulb rot from overwatering, mealybugs, and thrips. Prevent by ensuring proper drainage and inspecting foliage regularly.
Similar species
Clivia (Clivia miniata) and Crinum lilies, which can be distinguished by different foliage shapes, growth forms, and distinct floral structures.