Pot size: Select a pot so there is 1 inch of space between the bulb and the side of the pot. Amaryllis bulbs like to be pot-bound to grow and bloom. The small amount of potting mix around the bulb also dries out quickly so the bulb doesn't set too long in wet or moist conditions. This can encourage root and bulb rot. Plastic vs. Clay pots: We use plastic pots because they hold more moisture and we don't have to water as often as with clay pots. Decorative glazed pots hold moistuer like plastic pots and provide more bottom weight for those heavy blooms. We suggest that you use a plastic pot and simply slip it into a decorative clay pot. By doing so, you can rotate your blooming plants and not have to purchase a decorative pot for each. Whatever pot you decide to use, make sure it has good drainage. Your Amaryllis will not like setting in water, which can easily rot the roots and bulb. Potting Mix: We use the same mix for our Amaryllis that we do for our African Violets: One part vermiculite, one part grade 4 perlite and one part milled sphagnum peat moss. Never use garden soil, as this will soon become clay and very detrimental to your plant. Most standard potting mixes sold over the counter at nurseries and garden departments, are heavy on the milled sphagnum peat moss in their mix. Many people find these mixes to hold too much water and their Amaryllis bulbs rot. We suggest adding perlite to these mixes, if you choose to use them. We sell both the African Violet mix and perlite in our web store at http://www.store.orchidenterprise.com How to pot: Bury the bulb in your potting mix leaving the top 1/3 of the bulb above the soil surface and 1/2 to 1 inch of space between the soil surface and the top of the pot. This space allows for water to collect when being water. Again, the inside wall of the pot should be, no more than, 1 inch from the side of the bulb. Repotting: Repot every year. Many people will remove the old potting mix after the bulb goes dormant in the fall. We prefer waiting until spring. This allows the roots to continue absorbing moisture out of the mix and helps buffer the bulbs from damage and undue moisture loss. If the mix becomes wet, or your storage area becomes too humid, the bulbs may rot. If this is the case, you may need to remove the mix in the fall. Water, Light & Food |
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| Amaryllis Culture Guide |
Potting
