When to Water an Amaryllis

Watering at Time of Planting

• When potting an amaryllis bulb, it is important to water it thoroughly. After this initial watering, withhold any water until the first growth appears. Make sure that the pot size chosen is only slightly larger than the amaryllis bulb because too much soil volume will hold moisture and potentially cause bulb or root rot. Choose a potting media that drains well also, such as a soilless mix containing perlite. Empty any excess water that drains through the bottom so it is not reabsorbed into the soil.

Watering Before Bloom

• When the first growth of your amaryllis appears, resume a regular watering regimen. The soil should be kept slightly moist, but not too wet. Continue to remove any excess water that drains out through the holes in the bottom of the pot. To aid in even growth of your amaryllis, give it a quarter turn every few days so it does not favor one particular side as it grows towards the light.

Watering During Bloom

• While the amaryllis is in full bloom, water more frequently. At this stage in the plant's cycle, do not allow it to dry out. Flowering consumes a plant's energy and like during physical exertion in humans, it needs to stay well hydrated.

Watering After Bloom

• In the period immediately following the bloom, reduce the amount of water given to the amaryllis. Resume watering a once per week or when the surface is dry until sometime in late summer. To encourage re-bloom, cease all watering for an 8- to 10-week period. Resume normal watering in November to encourage re-blooming of your amaryllis. With occasional re-potting, and following a watering schedule based on the amaryllis' cycle, you can enjoy and amaryllis for years to come.