Complete Guide To Repotting Amaryllis – For Better Blooms & A Healthier Plant
Amaryllis plants don't need a lot of elbow room, but they do have to be repotted every 3-5 years. Wait until they're dormant and pick a slightly bigger pot.
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.
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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.
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Teo Spengler has been gardening for 30 years. She is a docent at the San Francisco Botanical Garden. Her passion is trees, 250 of which she has planted on her land in France.
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