Question
Hi! Last Saturday i purchased an amaryllis bulb from my local nursery. I was just wondering when i should plant it to get blooms around christmas time? Also, what are some of the basic needs and how to care for the plant?

Answer
Victor

Growth usually begins 2-8 weeks after you pot the Amaryllis...Some varieties will start to grow faster than others...I do not know what variety you have...If it came in the box read the instructions...IF NOT ASK THE PEOPLE WHERE YOU BOUGHT IT IF THEY KNOW...

For Christmas blooming you should start soon...You can control the growth by adjusting the room temperature down to slow growth...Or up to speed things up...You can also place it on the floor to slow it down...

Pot the bulb in a 6-8" plastic pot using a good indoor potting mix (Jungle growth, Miracle Grow, redi-mix, Etc.)...Place the bulb rooted end down and pointed end up with about 1/3 the bulb above the soil line. Tamp the soil around it firmly to help it stay straight as it grows...Place the pot where the temperature remains above 60癋. The warmer the temperature (70-80癋 night and day is ideal), the faster the bulb will sprout and grow. A nice southern exposure with plenty of light will help it start to sprout. Water only when the top inch of the potting mix is dry to the touch. Watering more frequently, particularly just after potting, can cause the bulb to rot. You may need to support the flower spike as  it gets taller to prevent the plant from leaning over. Rotate the pot frequently to prevent the flower stalks from leaning toward the light.

Once it starts to sprout treat it like you would any other indoor plant...Water your plant based on how much it weighs when thoroughly watered VS when it is ready to be watered again. Plants die from too frequent waterings, not from how much water you give them at one time. Pick up or lean the pot and feel how heavy it is after watering it thoroughly. Don't water it again until it feels considerably lighter and the top of the soil is light in color.

Hope this helps you with your Amaryllis project.
Rick in southern NJ.