Amaryllis Plant Care
Place your Amaryllis in a bright, warm spot with indirect light.
- Light
- A bright, warm spot with indirect light; a sunny windowsill with filtered light is ideal for encouraging the best blooms.
- Water
- Water sparingly at first—just enough to moisten the soil when you first plant or receive it—increasing watering gradually as the stalk begins to grow. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings and always ensure the pot drains well. Avoid getting water on the bulb itself as this can cause rot.
- Temperature
- Once in bloom, moving the plant to a slightly cooler spot will help the flowers last longer.
- Feeding
- Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2–3 weeks once the plant is actively growing.
- Maintenance
- Rotate the pot every few days to ensure even growth and prevent the stalk from leaning toward the light. After blooming, cut the flower stalk down to about 1 inch above the bulb but leave the leaves intact— they will continue to feed the bulb for next season's bloom.
Toxicity
Toxic
Yes—Amaryllis are toxic to both humans and pets. The bulb is the most toxic part of the plant and contains lycorine and other alkaloids, which can cause drooling, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and lethargy if ingested. All other parts of the plant including the leaves and stem are also considered toxic. Keep out of reach of children, cats, and dogs and wash hands thoroughly after handling the bulb.
If you think a pet or child has eaten part of this plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 right away.
This is general care information, not veterinary or medical advice. If you believe a pet or child has eaten part of this plant, contact your veterinarian or a poison control center right away.