Most people buy their Amaryllis plants from nurseries when they are in full flower because they are so spectacular.

But this is unnecessarily expensive particularly if you would like to have a collection of amaryllis flowers in different colours. In this case, you should think about purchasing a few bulbs.

Amaryllis Bulbs

Make sure that you buy the largest bulbs as mature bulbs will give you the biggest flowers. Smaller bulbs may skip a season before they flower and disappoint you.

As soon as you have planted your amaryllis bulbs – remember not to plant them too deep – water them thoroughly and allow the soil surface to dry a bit before watering them again.

Place them in a warm spot to stimulate root growth. A sunny spot is best because the plants need strong sunlight to produce strong sturdy flowers and stems. In the picture above you  will see how well my amaryllis plants thrive in a sunny spot on the patio! The stalks are about half a meter in length and are quite sturdy.

If you grow your plants in dim light conditions, the flower stalks will grow too long and spindly and your amaryllis plants will be more prone to breakage or tipping.

Amaryllis as an indoor plant

As soon as the first flowers appear you may want to take the plants indoors. Your amaryllis flowers will bloom for  much longer if they are protected from wind and weather. But wait until the first flowers have opened before you move them.

Then you can move them indoors to a spot where you have subdued light and a cool temperature. This will help you to preserve the open flowers for as long as possible.

Keep the bulbs barely moist. But when you water, be careful not to wet the portions of the bulb that stick out above the soil.

If the bulbs are large you may get two or three flowering stalks from each bulb and they will continue to bloom over a period of several weeks.

Then sit back and enjoy the show!