For its dramatic trumpet-shaped multi-colored flowers to fill out your home, you may need some help—here’s How to Force Amaryllis to Bloom!
This meaty bulb holds a secret treasure—stunning, robust tropical flowers with a flair like no other! With single or double flowers in burgundy, salmon, rose, purple, and even green, we show you how to force your amaryllis to push out its famous winter and spring blooms!
How to Force Amaryllis to Bloom
True amaryllis bulbs (Amaryllis belladonna) are native to South Africa and have been worked upon in Europe for centuries. And now, the widespread hybrid varieties (Hippeastrum) found in homes and gardens today are from South and Central America.
Emerging from tiny green buds, this hybrid flower is a sight for sore eyes, brightening gloomy days with funnel-shaped blooms that can grow up to 10 inches large. And you can even force these tropical flowers to bloom indoors in winter—we show you how!
1. It Starts with a Bulb
The first step in forcing your amaryllis to bloom is to pick healthy big size bulbs without mold or damage. Large bulbs yield abundant, vivacious blooms. Our guide also explains the correct depth at which to plant these bulbs. Plant it 1/3rd above the soil to prevent root rot.
If growing in containers, ensure the pot is one inch wider than the broadest part of the bulb and twice as large to allow roots to breathe and grow freely. Fill it to half with a sterile, organic-rich potting mix with peat moss.
2. Make an Indoor-Outdoor Switch
Amaryllis loves the warmth of 70-75 F (21-24 C) to grow and form buds, so what’s all this about bright winter blooms? Hardy to USDA zones 7-10, in harsh weather, you need to bring it inside your home or plant its bulbs indoors in fall to force it to bloom—in winter!
Once it begins blooming, keep the plant in a cool location indoors (around 60 – 65 F) with bright, indirect light or move them outdoors in a similar condition. This schedule is perfect for winter blooms.
Note: While this plant tolerates chilly weather, sudden dips in temperature below 35 F (2 C) are harmful to its health. Bringing it indoors prevents damage from cold shock.
3. Trick it into Rest
Amaryllis needs a resting period filled with cool darkness before producing blooms. A dark room with a 50-55 F (10-12 C) works. If outdoors, apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch and halt watering; let this period go on for 8-12 weeks to trigger blooms.
Do it in late summer or early fall. You’ll know when to end this dormancy period when new growth appears at the top of the bulb.
4. And Then Some Sun
So, while Hippeastrum needs cool shade to chill out and focus on patiently nurturing its incredible blooms, it also thrives in warmth and bright light! Once past dormancy, place the plant in a bright spot with dappled light and gradually expose it to full sun to prevent burn.
Indoors, this could be a south-facing window. Remember to rotate the pot regularly to ensure balanced light exposure and prevent the flower stalk from stretching or toppling over to one side in search of light.
5. Water it the Right Way
Amaryllis is drought-hardy but enjoys thorough hydration now and then before being left to bask in the sun until 1-2 inches of the soil surface dries out. This step is crucial in forcing it to push out blooms.
Overwatering can lead to root rot and poor nutrition absorption, resulting in little to no blooms or, in worst-case scenarios, the plant’s death. Some suggest lukewarm water to stimulate root growth and blooms. You could always give that a try!
6. Give it a Dose of Nutrients
Generic fertilizers are loaded with nitrogen, which promotes foliage growth. But for flowers, phosphorus is the secret ingredient! Use a water-soluble fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-15-10 diluted to half its strength once in 3-4 weeks. And stop fertilizing during dormancy.
7. Pruning and Deadheading
Pruning is essential after flowering. Cut away the flower stalks once they turn yellow to stop the plant from using up its energy to produce seeds rather than grow. Snip an inch of the foliage and deadhead the flowers when they fade to encourage a new batch of blooms.
An average amaryllis flower lasts 3-4 weeks before withering. Deadhead promptly as blooms fade to encourage new flower spikes!
