The Amaryllis (or *Hippeastrum*) goes through three distinct growth phases, and each one comes with its own set of “house rules” for where it likes to hang out. While it loves a warm, semi-shaded spot on your balcony or windowsill during the spring and summer, it actually craves a cool “nap” during its dormant phase. To help you get those stunning blooms year after year, I’ve put together a quick guide on how to place your plant perfectly.
During Bloom Time, Light is Key
Originally from the subtropics of South America, the Amaryllis is a bulb with very specific tastes. Because its needs change throughout the year, you’ll need to move it around a bit.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet for its favorite spots:
- During the blooming phase: Your Amaryllis wants a bright spot, but try to avoid harsh, direct midday sun. Room temperatures between 68°F and 72°F (20-22°C) are the “sweet spot” for keeping those flowers happy.
- During the growth phase: Once the flowers are gone and the leaves are growing, this plant becomes a sun-seeker. It loves summer warmth! This is the perfect time to move it out to your patio or garden.
- During the dormant (rest) phase: Now it’s time for some R&R. Move your plant to a dark, cool spot—a basement is usually the best bet. Just make sure the temperature stays above 40°F (5°C), as these bulbs are very sensitive to the cold and definitely won’t survive a frost.
A quick word of advice: try to avoid sudden, frequent moves, as this can stress the plant out. This is especially true when moving it outdoors after it finishes blooming. To prevent the delicate leaves from getting “sunburned,” give it a 10-day transition period in a sheltered, semi-shaded spot before putting it in full sun.
A Pro Tip for Cut Flowers
Amaryllis also makes a fantastic cut flower for your favorite vase. With a little TLC, they can stay fresh for up to three weeks! Just trim the stems with sharp shears and place them in a vase with only a few inches of water. Since the stems and blooms are quite heavy, the vase can get a bit tippy—dropping a few decorative stones or marbles at the bottom is a great way to keep everything upright.
To keep them looking fresh as long as possible, change the water every three days. If the stems start to feel a bit soft, you can carefully slide a wooden skewer inside the hollow stem for extra stability. Finally, keep your vase out of direct sunlight to prevent the petals from wilting too early.
