How to Multiply Amaryllis
Amaryllis is a bulbous plant that is often grown indoors in containers. If you are growing your amaryllis outdoors, consider growing it in a pot (with drainage holes) so you can move it around to the best location during the different stages of growth and during the winter months if you live in a cool climate. In order for your amaryllis to multiply itself or self propagate by growing additional bulbs, you will have to take excellent care of it. This way, it will have the energy to not only thrive and bloom, but will have extra energy to grow extra bulbs.
Maintain soil that is evenly moist; however, do not allow it to sit in standing water. Always dump out excess water in the collection tray. Before planting your amaryllis, place a 2 inch layer of rock and gravel at the bottom of the pot to allow for good water drainage.
- Amaryllis is a bulbous plant that is often grown indoors in containers.
- If you are growing your amaryllis outdoors, consider growing it in a pot (with drainage holes) so you can move it around to the best location during the different stages of growth and during the winter months if you live in a cool climate.
Keep the plant in the sunlight and near 75 degrees F. When the flowers open, remove the plant from the sun if you want to prolong the life of your flower.
Cut the wilting flowers off 2 inches below the blooms to prevent the plant from using its energy to make seed. Move the plant to an area with partial sunlight once all flowers are finished blooming.
Fertilize your amaryllis at this time with an all purpose slow release fertilizer. Keep the soil moist and leave the green foliage intact until it turns yellow. At that time, you can cut it back.
Divide the bulbs in the fall. Gently lift the bulbs out of the soil and brush off the excess dirt. Look at the bulb to notice if there are any small bulbs growing on the larger main bulb. If so, pull them off with your hands. Plant the bulbs immediately in their own pots and care for them as mentioned above. They may not bloom the first year or two.
- Keep the plant in the sunlight and near 75 degrees F. When the flowers open, remove the plant from the sun if you want to prolong the life of your flower.
Tip
Amaryllis can also be propagated from seed, but it will not be same amaryllis plant from which you gathered the seed. You can also propagate using a method called twin scale cuttage, but this is often a difficult process for the average home gardener.
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Tips
- Amaryllis can also be propagated from seed, but it will not be same amaryllis plant from which you gathered the seed. You can also propagate using a method called twin scale cuttage, but this is often a difficult process for the average home gardener.
Writer Bio
Melissa Lewis is a former elementary classroom teacher and media specialist. She has also written for various online publications. Lewis holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Maryland Baltimore County.
