A large bulb, amaryllis grows a stout stem and strap-like leaves. It's a stunning winter or spring bloomer, producing clusters of lily-like flowers in a variety of colors, depending on species.
Light
Keep in dark during dormancy. Place in medium (bright indirect) light of east window during flowering and high light after flowering.
Water
Let soil dry during dormancy. Barely moisten to induce growth; keep evenly moist during active growth.
Temperature
Maintain average temperatures during growth and low 40s during dormancy.
Comments
Set bulb half exposed in a six-inch pot. Water lightly in midwinter to induce growth. After bulb sprouts, increase watering. Stake stem. Cut stem back to two inches after bloom. Water and feed for leaf growth. Stop both in early fall to initiate dormancy. Repot every three years in late fall. Propagate by bulb division (pull off the offsets at the side of the bulb when repotting) or seed (maintain temperatures above 68 degrees).
