How to Cultivate Hippeastrum & Amaryllis

Fill 6- to 8-inch pots to 1 inch below the lip of the pot with a well-draining potting soil mix. Use pots that have drainage holes in the bottom.

Make a shallow indentation deep enough to fit the bottom half of the bulb in each pot. Place one amaryllis or hippeastrum bulb onto the indentation with the wide end down and the narrow "neck" pointing up. Fill in the soil around the bulb so that the bottom half is covered but the top half is exposed.

Press down the soil gently. Soak each pot until water drains from the hole in the bottom. Place the pots into a sink or on a board where they can drain completely.

Place the potted bulbs in an area that is between 70 and 75 F until the first growth and leaves appear. Once growth has started, amaryllis and hippeastrums should be kept between 65 and 75 F for best growth and development.

Keep amaryllis and hippeastrums in an area that receives morning sun and filtered afternoon light. Water when the top 1/2 inch of the soil medium feels dry to the touch. Soak each pot at each watering and allow the water to drain.

Fertilize amaryllis and hippeastrums every one to two weeks using a balanced 10-10-10 slow-release fertilizer. Check the fertilizer package to determine the right application amount and method before using.

Remove each flower from the flower stalk as it wilts. A single stalk typically produces four to six flowers. Remove the flower stalk once all the blooms have faded. Use a sharp pair of shears to cut the fleshy stalk near the soil line.