Prep the Pot and Soil

Choose a heavier container, such as a ceramic vessel, to help prevent tipping once the tall flower stalks and large blooms appear.

Cover the drainage hole with a square of mesh screen to keep soil from escaping. Place potting mix in a tub and sprinkle with lukewarm water. Stir the soil and water together until the mixture is moist but not soggy.

Add Soil to Container

Fill the container halfway with damp potting mix. Do not pack down the soil as you go.

Filling the container halfway makes it easier to position the bulb at the correct height.

Place Bulb

Place the bulb in the center of the container. If planting more than one amaryllis in the same container, place the bulbs shoulder to shoulder.

The bulbs should feel firm and have plenty of roots at the base.

Fill In Around the Bulb

Add more potting mix around the bulb to hold it firmly in place, but leave the top third of the bulb uncovered.

Tamp Down the Soil

Use your hands to lightly press the potting soil around the bulb.

Water the newly planted bulb well to settle the soil and provide moisture to the roots. Avoid getting water on the exposed top of the bulb to help prevent rot.

Add a label to remember the variety name.

A single bulb can produce several large flowers. For a fuller display, plant three bulbs of the same variety in one pot or combine several different varieties.

After planting, green growth should appear within a couple of weeks. Wait to water until the new leaves are about 2 inches tall.

Amaryllis bulbs generally bloom within 6–12 weeks, depending on growing conditions and the variety.

To help the flowers last longer, keep amaryllis plants out of direct sunlight and maintain temperatures between 55 and 70°F.