Watering Guide

Amaryllis - Alfresco®

Watering Potted Amaryllis

A potted amaryllis adds a touch of elegance to any indoor space, but it requires a bit more hands-on care compared to its garden counterpart. The key to maintaining a happy plant that boooms is consistency—both in watering and in monitoring the environment around your plant.

During the Bloom: Keeping the Balance 

When your potted amaryllis is actively blooming, it’s crucial to keep the soil evenly moist. However, overwatering is a common mistake. A good practice is to water every two to three days, ensuring that water drains freely from the bottom of the pot. If you are using a decorative cover pot or saucer, be sure to empty any excess water afterwards.

The Dormant Phase: Knowing When to Pause 

Once your potted amaryllis finishes blooming it goes into an active growth phase and as winter starts to approach it will instinctively enter dormancy. You will notice the leaves starting to yellow—this is your signal to stop watering. Allow the bulb to rest for a few months, keeping it in a cool, dry place. During this time, the bulb is storing up energy for its next bloom cycle. Once new growth begins to appear, you can resume watering and move the pot back to a sunny spot to encourage blooming.

Amaryllis - Alfresco®

Watering amaryllis in the garden

Amaryllis plants are a true spectacle, bringing vibrant colour and elegance to your garden or home. Whether planted in the ground or kept in a pot, these beauties require specific care to thrive, especially in the Northern Hemisphere, where seasonal shifts can impact their needs. 

When you plant your amaryllis in the garden, you’re entering into a partnership with the elements. The key to keeping your garden amaryllis healthy is finding a balance between natural rainfall and your own watering routine.

A good rule of thumb is to water your amaryllis whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Early morning is the best time to water, allowing the plant to absorb moisture before the midday sun intensifies. Water deeply, soaking the soil around the roots, but be careful not to create standing water, which can lead to root rot.

Autumn: Preparing for Dormancy As autumn approaches, your garden amaryllis will start to slow down, preparing for its dormancy. In the northern hemisphere, this is typically marked by cooler temperatures and shorter days. Gradually reduce your watering as the plant’s growth slows, eventually stopping altogether once the leaves begin to yellow and die back. At this point, your amaryllis is ready to rest through the winter, drawing on the energy it stored during the growing season.

 

Discover more about amaryllis

Your journey with amaryllis doesn’t stop at watering—there’s so much more to learn and explore!

Whether you’re curious about the best potting techniques, ensuring your plant gets the right amount of light, or even how to encourage those spectacular blooms year after year, we’ve got you covered. Each step in your amaryllis care routine contributes to the vibrant display that will brighten your home or garden.