Few bulb plants have showier blossoms than amaryllis, with its frothy lily-type flowers in a wild array of colors. Since these bulbs can bloom year after year given proper care, it’s well worth learning its after-bloom care requirements.
Repotting amaryllis is an essential part of amaryllis care. We’re here to tell you all about amaryllis repotting, including when to repot amaryllis and how to repot amaryllis.
Get started on your amaryllis journey with these pure white bulbs from Jackson & Perkins.
Signs It’s Time to Repot an Amaryllis
Amaryllis bulbs grow best without much elbow room. They like to be a little rootbound, and if you buy a potted one, you’ll note that it’s a fairly tight fit in the container, with only about an inch (2.5cm) of soil around the bulb.
But properly nurtured bulbs grow, and after some 3 to 5 years, it’s time for amaryllis repotting. You can tell it’s time to repot if there is less than an inch of soil between the bulb and the pot.
When to Repot Amaryllis
The best time to repot amaryllis is just after its period of dormancy. Dormancy begins when the plant’s leaves start to fade and yellow in September, and it’s usually completed by January. Watering is reduced during this dormancy period. The perfect repotting amaryllis period is just after the plant completes its dormancy period.
How to Repot Amaryllis
The key to repotting amaryllis is the size of the new pot: pick one that is just slightly larger than the old one. The new pot should be about an inch or two (2.5–5 cm) wider than the diameter of the bulb.
Loosen the roots of the bulb by running a garden knife inside the pot, then tip out the plant, roots and all. Shake off the old soil. Put well-draining potting soil in the bottom of the new pot, position the bulb so that the top is above the rim of the container, then pack in potting soil. Leave the tip of the bulb (1/3 to ½ of the bulb) above the soil. Water well.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best soil for repotting amaryllis?
I usually just use well-draining, light potting soil. However, you could also mix the commercial potting soil with coco coir and a sprinkling of sand or perlite and bone meal to make a more well-draining amaryllis soil.
Should I cut the roots off my amaryllis?
Generally, you should not cut the roots off your amaryllis during repotting. The exception is if the roots are soggy or rotting.
This article features products available from third-party vendors on the Gardening Know How Shop.
-
Proven Health Benefits Of Gardening – Why It’s Good To Get Your Hands DirtyThere are so many health benefits of gardening for every age and ability level, it may hold the key to many of the world’s problems. Learn about the ways gardening can improve your life.
-
Get Gardening For Better Sleep: Why Gardens And Plants Can Give You Happier BedtimesWe all know gardening is intrinsically linked to a ‘feel good’ factor – have you ever wondered why it helps with rest? Here’s the thinking behind gardening for better sleep…
-
Amaryllis Southern Blight Disease: Recognizing Amaryllis Southern Blight Symptoms -
Amaryllis Has Leaf Scorch – Controlling Red Blotch Of Amaryllis Plants
-
Amaryllis Bulb Rot – What Causes Rotten Amaryllis BulbsLike many potted plants, diseases and issues related to fungal infections can be detrimental to the development of the plant and may even cause it to die before it is able to bloom. Amaryllis bulb rot is one such issue. Learn more about this problem in the following article.
-
Separating Amaryllis Plants: How To Divide Amaryllis Bulbs In The GardenLike many bulbs, in time and with the right environmental conditions, outdoor amaryllis bulbs will reproduce and naturalize. Amaryllis plant division is not only a way to control amaryllis colonies, but it also keeps plants healthy. Click here to learn more.
-
Amaryllis Seed Propagation: How To Plant An Amaryllis SeedIf you have some patience, you can produce and germinate your own amaryllis seed pods. Learn more about amaryllis seed propagation and how to plant an amaryllis seed in the article that follows. Click here for more information.
-
Staking An Amaryllis: Types Of Amaryllis Support StakesThe tall amaryllis stalks grow from bulbs, and each stalk bears four huge blooms. If your blooming plant gets top-heavy, you might need to learn about staking an amaryllis. Click this article for information about what to use for amaryllis plant support.
-
Soil For Amaryllis Plants – What Kind Of Soil Does Amaryllis NeedBecause it blooms in winter or early spring, amaryllis is almost always kept in a pot indoors, so you have more say in the kind of soil it grows in. So what kind of soil does amaryllis need? Learn about amaryllis soil requirements in this article.
-
Amaryllis Flower Varieties: Different Types Of AmaryllisAmaryllis is available in a variety of shapes and colors; in fact, almost too many different types of amaryllis to count. Click this article to learn about just a few of the many amaryllis flower varieties on the market.
