If you want to keep your Amaryllis (Ritterstern) happy and ensure those stunning blooms return year after year, annual repotting is a must. It’s not complicated, but there are a few tricks to getting it just right. Here’s my quick guide on how to pot your bulb like a pro.
Potting time sets the stage for blooms
Think of potting as the “start” button for the flowering process. Once a fresh bulb is in the soil, you can usually expect to see those delicate buds within about two months. If you want your plant to show off its elegant colors just in time for the holidays, aim to get it potted by October.
The right soil makes all the difference
Trust me, your subtropical beauty won’t be thrilled with the cheap, generic potting soil from the discount bin. To really see it thrive, a custom mix is the way to go.
Here are a few “recipes” that meet the high standards of an Amaryllis:
- A 50/50 mix of standard potting soil and cactus soil. If you have some lava granules on hand, toss those in too!
- A mix of low-peat vegetable soil combined with 25% quartz sand and 25% Seramis (clay granules).
- Equal parts standard potting soil and seedling soil, enriched with a tablespoon of horn shavings and two tablespoons of perlite for aeration.
Pro tip: Try to keep the peat content as low as possible. It’s better for the environment and actually helps the plant manage water more effectively.
Step-by-Step Potting
To get started, grab a sturdy pot—usually between 5 and 6 inches (12-14 cm) in diameter. Stability is key because these flowers can get top-heavy! Make sure the pot has a drainage hole in the bottom.
Here’s how to do it:
- Create a drainage layer about an inch deep using broken terra cotta shards or pebbles.
- Cover that with a piece of breathable, water-permeable landscape fleece.
- Fill the pot about two-thirds full with your soil mix.
- Place the Amaryllis bulb in the center with the pointy end facing up.
- Add more soil around the bulb, but here’s the secret: only bury the bottom half. The top half of the bulb should stay exposed.
- Press the soil down firmly and add some water to the saucer.
- Don’t water again until the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch.
The biggest “no-no” when watering is letting the plant sit in soggy soil. Standing water leads to root rot, which is the fastest way to ruin your beautiful bloom.
A Little Decor Tip
If you want to mix things up, your Amaryllis doesn’t strictly need soil to look amazing. These bulbs actually grow beautifully in decorative glass vases filled with just a bit of water. It’s a great way to add a modern, colorful accent to any room!
