Garden Care Guide

Amaryllis Care

Hippeastrum spp.

A bulbous plant known for its showy, large flowers that blooms in winter and spring. To flower again, the cycle of flowering, growth and dry rest (dormancy) must be managed carefully.

Frost-tender (protect from frost) · 2 °C / 36 °F

Monthly care calendar

Timings are for a temperate Northern Hemisphere climate. In warmer areas tasks start earlier, in colder areas later; in the Southern Hemisphere shift them by six months.

January
  • Watering: Keep the soil lightly moist.
  • Pruning: When the flowers fade, cut the flower stalk 2-3 cm above the bulb, but never cut the leaves.
  • General care: Place the plant in a bright spot with indirect light. Leaf growth forms next year's flowers.
  • Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately 2 °C.
February
  • Watering: Water regularly as the top of the soil dries out.
  • Fertilizing: Start giving a balanced liquid fertilizer (e.g. 20-20-20 NPK) once a month.
  • Pruning: Not needed; the leaves feed the bulb.
  • Plant protection: Check the leaves for spider mites or mealybugs.
  • General care: Make sure the leaves receive maximum light.
  • Pests & diseases: Watch out for red blotch disease.
  • Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately 2 °C.
March
  • Watering: Continue regular watering.
  • Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer or well-rotted organic fertilizer once when it wakes from dormancy.
  • General care: Turn the pot occasionally so the leaves grow evenly.
  • Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately 2 °C.
April
  • Watering: If there is no rainfall, water every 15 days.
  • Fertilizing: Continue fertilizing every 2-4 weeks.
May
  • Watering: If there is no rainfall, water once a week.
  • Fertilizing: Continue fertilizing every 2-4 weeks.
  • General care: Spread a 5-7 cm layer of mulch over the root zone; it retains soil moisture and suppresses weeds. Do not pile mulch against the trunk. Drainage is vital for this plant. In heavy soil that holds water, plant it on a raised mound or berm 20-30 cm high so that the root collar stays above the surrounding soil level.
June
  • Watering: Water deeply twice a week; prefer infrequent and generous watering over small and frequent. Water so that the soil is wetted 10-15 cm down from the surface.
  • Fertilizing: Continue fertilizing every 2-4 weeks.
  • General care: The bulb continues to store energy.
July
  • Watering: Water deeply twice a week; prefer infrequent and generous watering over small and frequent. Water so that the soil is wetted 10-15 cm down from the surface.
  • Fertilizing: At the end of the month, apply the last fertilizer and then stop.
  • General care: Keep it in a position sheltered from midday sun; scorching at the leaf edges is a sign of burn.
August
  • Watering: Water deeply twice a week; prefer infrequent and generous watering over small and frequent. Water so that the soil is wetted 10-15 cm down from the surface.
  • Pruning: Not needed. Wait for the leaves to yellow and dry on their own.
  • General care: Force the plant into dormancy by moving it to a cool, dry, dark place such as a cellar or garage.
September
  • Watering: If there is no rainfall, water once a week.
  • Pruning: When the yellowing leaves have dried out completely, cut them off above the bulb.
  • General care: Around now (20 September), bulbs should be in their dormant period. Allow them to rest for at least 8–10 weeks.
  • Pests & diseases: Check the bulb for rot or pests.
October
  • Watering: If there is no rainfall, water every 15 days.
  • General care: Let the bulb rest. At the end of the month, if the rest period is over, you can repot.
  • Pests & diseases: Check the bulb.
November
  • Watering: When the dormant period ends (about 2-3 months later), water thoroughly once, then water very sparingly until shoots emerge.
  • General care: In winter rains, make sure water does not pool in the root zone; for this plant, drainage is more critical than irrigation.
  • Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately 2 °C.
December
  • Watering: When shoots begin to grow, start regular but careful watering. Excess water causes rot.
  • General care: Turn the pot regularly so the flower stalk grows straight.
  • Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately 2 °C.

The care advice on this page is general and for information only; it is not professional advice. Plant age, soil and your garden’s microclimate can change the outcome. Plant protection products are mentioned only as general information; they are regulated, and the choice, dose and timing must be decided by a qualified professional under local rules. Consult a landscape architect or agronomist before applying.

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