When your Amaryllis finally starts producing those cute little baby bulbs (also known as “offsets”), it’s an exciting moment for any plant parent! But before you grab your gardening shears, hold your horses. You don’t want to rush the process. With a little patience and the right technique, you can successfully turn those offsets into brand-new blooming beauties.
How to Spot a “Ready” Baby Bulb
Not every offset is ready to move out and live on its own. Here’s how to tell if your Amaryllis baby is mature enough to survive the separation from the mother bulb:
- The offset should be at least 1.2 inches (3 cm) in diameter.
- The bulb should already be covered in a thin, papery brownish skin.
- Ideally, the little guy might even have a few of its own root strands starting to peek out.
Caring for Your Amaryllis Offsets Like a Pro
Once you’ve inspected the bulb and decided it’s ready for its big debut, use a sharp, sterilized kitchen knife to carefully detach it. To prevent rot or infection, it’s a great idea to dust the “wounds” on both bulbs with a little charcoal dust or rock flour.
Next, grab a pot—aim for one that’s at least 5.5 inches (14 cm) in diameter. Make sure there’s a drainage hole at the bottom (drainage is key!). For the soil, I recommend a 50/50 mix of standard potting soil and cactus mix. Stir in some perlite or lava granulate to keep things airy. This combo creates the perfect home for your new bulb to thrive.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
- Fill your pot about two-thirds full with your custom soil mix.
- Set the bulb in the soil, but don’t bury it! Only the bottom half should be covered.
- Water the saucer (bottom-watering) until the soil feels nice and moist.
- Find a spot with indirect light (partial shade) where the temperature stays between 65°F and 72°F (18-22°C).
As soon as your Amaryllis pushes out its first bud, move it to a sunnier spot and start increasing the water as the plant grows. Hold off on fertilizing until you see those green leaves really starting to sprout.
A Few Pro Tips to Wrap Up
Did you know you can also grow Amaryllis from seeds? If you have cut flowers in a vase, let them stay there until they completely wither and the seed pods begin to crack open. You can harvest the seeds right from those pods. Just a heads-up: Always wear gloves when handling them, as the seeds are toxic!
