Amaryllis, Hippeastrum spp., is a perennial flowering bulb native to South America known for its showy, lily-like blooms.
It’s suited to outdoor cultivation in USDA Hardiness Zones 9 to 11 and Zone 8 with winter protection.
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Elsewhere, it is a popular potted plant forced to bloom indoors during the winter.
In our guide to growing amaryllis, we discuss all you need to know to enjoy these spectacular flowers at your house.
This article zeroes in on one essential growing element: soil.
Here are the topics we’ll cover:
Let’s put on our gardening gloves and begin!
Cultural Requirements
Ideal growing conditions for amaryllis include full sun to partial shade in the garden or bright, indirect sunlight indoors.
A placement three to five feet from a south- or east-facing window works well.
Their water needs are moderate. It’s best to maintain even moisture in the soil until the leaves sprout. Then water in-ground and potted bulbs lightly when the top few inches of soil feels dry.
If you receive a Hippeastrum bulb as a winter gift and grow it indoors for blooming during the winter months, it may be grown in water or soil.
Growing in water is called hydroponic cultivation. However, if you want it to rebloom the following year, you must transplant it to soil after flowering.
Let’s find out what substrates to use for landscape and container-grown amaryllis plants.
In-Ground Cultivation
The soil should be organically rich, moisture-retentive, and well-draining, with a slightly acidic pH of 6.0 to 6.5.
Conduct a soil test to determine its composition and pH level. Incorporate well-rotted manure, leaf mold, or compost to increase fertility and acidity, and sand to improve drainage.
If your region freezes occasionally, apply a two- to three-inch layer of bark or straw mulch in late fall to insulate the bulbs.
Remove it in early spring before the shoots sprout.
Growing in Containers
A high quality all-purpose potting medium that has a suitable pH level is an excellent choice for Hippeastrum container gardening both indoors and out.
Select a product that contains:
- A nutrient-rich base, like peat moss or compost, to support root growth while retaining moisture and promoting drainage.
- An anti-compaction ingredient, like perlite or rice hulls, for aeration and to allow the rapid drainage of excess water.
- Absorbent material like vermiculite that holds ample moisture without risk of oversaturation, as well as nutrients for uptake by the roots.
Here is a product you may like:
This potting mix from Midwest Hearth is made in the USA and contains peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite, which are all you need to pot up your bulb and get growing.
Premium Potting Soil with Peat Moss
Premium Potting Soil with Peat Moss is available from the Midwest Hearth Store via Amazon.
Our guide to selecting growing media and containers has more information.
Support Vital Functions
A good soil mix provides air circulation, drainage, moisture retention, and nourishment, plus it supports root growth and stability.
Using a gritty, well-draining loam is the first step to successful Hippeastrum cultivation.
Amend your garden as needed for in-ground plants, and purchase or make your own potting soil for houseplants to enjoy a glorious annual amaryllis display!
What potting medium do your amaryllis bulbs grow in? Are they indoors or outdoors? Please tell us in the comments section below.
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