Amaryllis 'Red Velvet'

Autumn-Winter · Planting

Protect from toppling over

Once the stem(s) grows tall and large flowers appear, the plant becomes top heavy. It can topple over, or the flower stem break. Avoid this by placing the pot inside a second heavy ceramic pot, or stake the stem to secure it before flowers form.

Applies to amaryllis

Spring-Autumn · Indoors

General houseplant fertiliser

Feed this plant with a general houseplant fertiliser.

Spring-Winter · Indoors

Keep moist, but not standing in water

Keep moist at all times. Water more sparingly in winter, keep the compost just moist.

Spring-Winter · Indoors

Soak completely when watering

Water until water comes out of the bottom of the pot. Leave for 30 minutes or so until the compost is fully moist, then pour away the excess water so the plant pot is not standing in water. (This avoids waterlogging which can cause "root rot".)

Spring-Winter · Indoors

Feed regularly during growth

This plant flowers in winter, but needs feeding from Spring to Autumn for improved foliage growth and to give the plant nourishment to flower in winter. After flowering stop feeding to give the plant a rest, before the foliage growing season starts again.

Spring - late · Outdoors

Feed with slow release fertiliser

Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)

This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.

Spring-Autumn · Outdoors

Water during dry periods

For plants in the ground, when there has been little or no rain for a period of 7-10 days and the soil is dry, give it a deep watering and repeat weekly until there is a downpour of rain. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.

Winter · Planting

Keep amaryllis plant for next year

After flowering cut stems back to the bulb. In summer, put outside or in the greenhouse. In September, cut off foliage, move to a well-lit cool place indoors (13°C) for 8-10 weeks, then move to a warm spot to grow. Re-pot rarely (every 3 years or so).

Applies to amaryllis

Compost · Planting

Houseplant compost for repotting

Repot using any good quality house plant compost.

Indoor temperature · Planting

Warm room, min 15C/60F

This plant thrives in a warmer than average room when grown as a houseplant (average room temperature is around 20C/68F). The minimum advisable temperatures at night and in the colder months are 15C/60F.

Indoor plant · Planting

Position in a bright spot, no direct sun

Give this a bright position away from the direct sun, especially direct sun at the height of the day. (Direct sunshine is too hot and can burn the leaves.) Move the plant to a brighter position in the room during winter and early spring.