HOW TO WATER AMARYLLIS

As with most other plants that produce a bulbous storage organ, Amaryllis originate from a mountainous region with poor soils and little rainfall. As a native of South Africa, it natural flowering period is initiated after a period of drought which is why they come into flower soon after planting when bought as dry bulbs.

It is this ease of flowering that makes them such a popular choice, but because it will take the bulb a number of years to reach a size where is mature and large enough to flower they can be expensive to buy. With this in mind it is well worth looking after your Amaryllis bulb properly so that it will survive and flower year after year.

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Amaryllis bulbs will produce some truly stunning flowering plants and are very easy to look after if you follow two simple rules.

Rule one. Never overwater

Rule two. Never leave the root system waterlogged or left standing in water.

Never break these rules as Amaryllis bulbs are prone to rot if they are kept too wet, so keep this in mind when it comes to choosing you pot and compost mix.

Water regularly once the green bud appears but again - be careful not to overwater. Once the bloom is finished allow the bulb to dry out between watering, but watering should be stopped once the leaves show signs of dying back.

Although it is very tempting as you water the rest of your houseplants, you must resist the urge with your amaryllis bulb. Once the foliage has died back the bulb will quite happily sit around for months on end without even a sniff of water and neither should you give them any as this dry, period of dormancy is absolutely vital if you want them to flower again next season.

The bulb itself will tell you when it is ready to begin watering again by producing the tip of a succulent green shoot at the top of the plant where the previous growth had died back. Only then is is safe to water without the risk of basal rot, but only give enough to moisten the compost. As said before never let the roots stand in water or become waterlogged.

You can begin watering more regularly once growth is in full swing.

For related articles click onto the following links:
How often do you water your amaryllis in small pots?
HOW TO GROW AMARYLLIS BELLADONNA
HOW TO GROW AMARYLLIS BULBS
HOW TO GROW AMARYLLIS FROM SEED
HOW TO WATER GARDEN CONTAINER GROWN PLANTS