How to Grow and Care for Amaryllis Bulbs

   
All eyes are upon the flower in this austere spring disp lay

Once the Amaryllis flowers start to open, be sure not to move your plant around too much. Long flower stems can  cause the pot to tip over. Amaryllis bulbs also tend to twist towards the light and that can cause eventually cause the pot to tip over. The stem is hollow and will snap easily and that will be end of your flowers. We strongly advise placing the plastic pot in a larger clay, or ceramic cache pot, for stability. 

You may wish to stake an amaryllis flower stem that insists on leaning, as most do, so that the weight of the blooms does not cause the stem to bend at the base. It will also prevent tipping which usually results in the blooms breaking. Play it safe-always use stakes. There are also attractive brass amaryllis stakes made just for this purpose. Also use a ceramic/clay cache pot to provide stabilty

While your amaryllis is in bloom, keep it well watered, and in a relatively cool spot (at least 65 degrees) and out of direct sunlight to ensure that the blooms last as long as possible. You can remove the blooms as they fade, usually one at a time. When all the blooms have faded, you can allow the stem to wither naturally, or if your plant is indoors and you find the stem unattractive, cut it off at the base with a sharp knife. Do this near the sink as there is often sap that will run out of the hollow stem.

Amaryllis blooms also do well as cut flowers-remove the stem from the plant just as the buds are beginning to open and place them in a vase. Some florists will stuff the base of the hollow stem with a paper towel before placing it in a vase to help with water uptake .