When I first started growing Amaryllis Bulbs over water, I was amazed at how easy and beautiful it was!
If you’ve always wanted to try growing Amaryllis Flowers without soil, this is the perfect method to get started. It’s simple, rewarding, and the results will fill your home with stunning blooms.
Here’s how you can grow Amaryllis Bulbs in water, even if you’ve never tried it before!
Supplies You’ll Need to Grow Amaryllis Bulbs in Water
Before you dive into this fun project, make sure you have everything you need. Thankfully, the supplies are simple and easy to find!
- Amaryllis Bulb – Choose a healthy, large bulb for the best results.
- A watertight container – I love using a clear glass vessel because it lets me easily see where the water line is.
- Decorative Stones – Pebbles, marbles, or seashells work great! You can find these at any craft store or even on Amazon.
- Activated Charcoal – This helps keep the water fresh and free of any smells. Just a little bit goes a long way!
- Water – Make sure it’s clean and fresh. You’ll need to top it up as the bulb grows.
- Optional: Jade Plant Care practices – Just like with your other plants, a little care goes a long way in creating a healthy growing environment.
Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Amaryllis Bulbs in Water
Once you have your supplies ready, it’s time to start! Growing Amaryllis Bulbs over water is super easy, and I’m going to walk you through the process.
Preparing the Vessel
Start by choosing a glass container that will allow you to see the water level. I love clear glass because it’s easy to check the water level without disturbing the bulb.
- Add a small amount of activated charcoal to the bottom of the container. Just half a teaspoon is all you need.
- Next, place a layer of decorative stones (around 3 inches high). This helps the bulb sit securely and prevents it from tipping over.
- I use a special candy dish that belonged to my great aunt—so not only does it hold the bulb, but it also adds a little nostalgic charm to my garden!
Placing the Amaryllis Bulb and Filling with Water
Now comes the fun part—putting the Amaryllis Bulb in its new watery home!
- Place the bulb right on top of the stones, leaving the top third exposed.
- Carefully fill the container with water, but make sure it doesn’t touch the bulb. You want the roots to be submerged, but not the bulb itself. If the bulb sits in water, it can rot.
- Pro tip: Make sure the water level just touches the roots—this will encourage healthy growth and prevent any waterlogging.
Ideal Location for Amaryllis Care
Once the bulb is settled, you’ll need to find a perfect spot for it to grow.
- Place the container in a bright, warm location. The ideal temperature is between 70-75°F. A sunny windowsill works great for this.
- As your Amaryllis Bulbs grow, make sure to top up the water as needed. You’ll want the roots to stay submerged but the bulb dry.
- If you’re growing a Red Amaryllis or any other variety, be patient! For Southern hemisphere bulbs, expect blooms in about 4-6 weeks, while Northern hemisphere bulbs can take a little longer (6-10 weeks).
Amaryllis Flowers: The Blooming Process
There’s nothing quite like watching your Amaryllis Plant come to life. It’s truly magical as the buds start to open and reveal their vibrant Amaryllis Flowers.
- Amaryllis Flowers are showstoppers—think big, bold blooms in red, white, and even pink hues. My Red Amaryllis is especially stunning, and it always makes a statement in my home.
- Once your bulb blooms, you can expect 3-5 flower stalks from a large bulb (around 36-38 cm). It’s such a rewarding sight!
- As the flowers fade, don’t worry. The plant will naturally shift into producing beautiful green foliage.
Caring for Your Amaryllis Plant Post-Bloom
After your Amaryllis Bulb has finished blooming, you’ll have some decisions to make. Do you treat it as an annual, or do you save it for next year’s blooms?
After Blooms Fade
- Once the flowers are gone, your Amaryllis Plant will start growing leaves. This is a sign that the plant is transitioning from flowering to foliage.
- You can choose to treat the plant as an annual and discard the bulb, or if you’re like me, you might decide to save it for next year’s bloom.
- I love to save my bulbs, so I transfer them to potted amaryllis after they’re done flowering.
Re-Blooming the Amaryllis Bulb
- If you want to re-bloom your Amaryllis Bulb, transfer it to soil. Leave the top third of the bulb exposed in a pot filled with fresh potting soil.
- Store the potted Amaryllis Bulb in a cool, dark spot (around 50°F) for 2-3 months. This dormancy period is crucial for the bulb to rest and recharge.
- I usually store mine in the basement, where it’s dark and cool, until it’s time to bring it back into the light.
Key Tips for Caring for Amaryllis Year After Year
To keep your Amaryllis Bulbs happy and healthy year after year, follow these simple steps:
- For potted amaryllis, keep the soil evenly moist. Be sure it’s not soggy, as this can cause the bulb to rot.
- Apply fertilizer once a month to give your plant the nutrients it needs to thrive.
- When all danger of frost has passed, move your Amaryllis Plant outside to enjoy the sun and grow strong.
- Balance sunlight and water carefully—too much of either can cause issues with growth.
Troubleshooting Common Issues with Growing Amaryllis Over Water
Like any plant, growing Amaryllis Bulbs in water isn’t without a few challenges. Here are some common things to watch out for:
- Amaryllis Bulbs can lean toward the light as they grow. If this happens, gently rotate the container to keep the plant upright.
- Watch the water levels carefully. Make sure the roots stay submerged, but the bulb stays dry to avoid rot.
Final Thoughts: Why Growing Amaryllis Bulbs in Water is Worth It
Growing Amaryllis Bulbs over water is not only simple but also a beautiful way to display these stunning plants.
The elegance of the Amaryllis Flowers floating in a clear vessel is unmatched, and it’s a fun project to get creative with your container.