Growing Hippeastrum (Amaryllis) Indoors – Complete Care Guide

Growing Hippeastrum (Amaryllis) Indoors

The plants commonly sold as amaryllis are actually Hippeastrum bulbous plants. True Amaryllis (genus) is a different bulb from South Africa. Key differences: Amaryllis has no leaves during flowering, solid stems, and 6–12 flowers; Hippeastrum produces leaves after flowering, has hollow stems, and bears 3–6 blooms.

Species and Hybrids

Nearly 100 Hippeastrum species exist, plus countless hybrids. Most sold are hybrids purchased in fall for winter bloom.

Foliage

One or two stalks grow up to 30 inches tall with wide, light green strap-like leaves up to 18 inches long. Leaves usually appear during or just after flowering. Once flowers and stalks die back, the plant can look unattractive.

Flowering

Flowers bloom in winter or spring (6–10 weeks after planting) in clusters of trumpet-shaped blooms in red, orange, pink, and striped or shaded colors. Cut away faded flowers and stalks.

Care After Flowering

After flowering, cut sagging stalks with flowers as close to the bulb as possible, keeping the leaves. For the next six weeks, fertilize and water frequently to encourage growth for the next season. Support large leaves with a bamboo stake if needed.

When leaves yellow in early fall, prune them back to 2 inches. If grown outdoors, lift the bulb to prevent frost damage and store in a cool room.

From September, place the pot in a cool spot (≈55°F/13°C), reduce watering, and stop fertilizing for 8–10 weeks. After this dormant period, resume watering when soil is dry and fertilize every two weeks. New growth and flowers will appear in winter.

Note: Many discard the plant after flowering, but with care it can bloom for future seasons.

Quick Facts

• Origin: South America
• Common Name: Amaryllis
• Botanical Name: Hippeastrum
• Max Height: ~30 in / 75 cm
• Pet Toxicity: Toxic to cats and dogs

Pictures of Various Flower Colors

Amaryllis Care Summary

• Temperature: 70–75°F (21–24°C) during growth; 55°F (13°C) Sept–Nov.
• Light: Bright, indirect light.
• Watering: Water when top inch of soil is dry during growth; stop watering 8–10 weeks during dormancy.
• Soil: Equal parts perlite and peat, or 2 parts loam + 1 part perlite.
• Re-potting: Every 2 years before dormant period (Nov–Dec); pot ~2 inches wider than bulb.
• Fertilizer: Liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks after dormancy when leaf shoots appear.
• Humidity: Normal room humidity.
• Propagation: Seed (up to 5 years) or bulb offsets (~3 years).