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Bright light with some direct sun (right in the window where sun actually hits the leaves. A strong grow light 4-6 inches away can substitute) during active growth. Once in bloom, move to a slightly cooler, lower-light spot to prolong flower life. No light is needed during dormancy.Light
Keep soil barely moist when you first pot a new bulb. Water more regularly once leaves emerge. Let the top half of the soil dry between waterings during growth and blooming. Stop watering entirely in mid-fall to trigger dormancy.Water
Not particularly demanding. Standard indoor humidity is acceptable. Good air circulation helps prevent fungal issues on the blooms.Humidity
65-80°F (18-27°C) during active growth; 55-70°F (13-21°C) to prolong flowers; 45-55°F (7-13°C) during dormancy storage. Never allow the bulb to freeze.Temperature
easyDifficulty
Hippeastrum hybrids plant

Amaryllis

Hippeastrum hybrids

Easy

Hippeastrum hybrids are the bulbs sold every holiday season as 'amaryllis,' producing dramatic trumpet-shaped flowers up to 10 inches across on thick stalks that seem to shoot up almost visibly fast once you start watering them. The name Hippeastrum means 'knight's star,' which is not an exaggeration when you see a well-grown bulb put up two or three simultaneous flower stalks. You can keep them blooming year after year by coaxing them through a dormancy period each fall, turning a holiday novelty into a long-term plant relationship.

Care Guide

How to grow Amaryllis

Light

Bright light with some direct

Water

Keep soil barely moist when

Humidity

Not particularly demanding.

Temperature

65-80°F

Soil

Well-draining potting mix high in organic matter.

Propagation

Remove offset bulblets from the

Common Problems

Root rot from soggy soil

Did You Know

Fun Facts

The name 'amaryllis' technically belongs to a South African genus, not these South American plants. After decades of debate, the International Botanical Congress formally ruled in 1987 that the holiday bulb sold as 'amaryllis' should be called Hippeastrum, meaning 'knight's star.'

Pet Safety

Toxic to pets

Toxic to cats and dogs. All parts of the plant contain lycorine and other alkaloids. Symptoms include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, and tremors. The bulb is the most toxic part. Confirmed toxic by ASPCA.

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