Amaryllis – Hippeastrum – makes an attractive houseplant thanks to its showy blooms and glossy, spearlike foliage. An evergreen in mild-winter climates, amaryllis can be forced to bloom twice a year. You’ll need a deep container, pea gravel, potting soil, a hand trowel, gloves and a watering can. Just follow these easy steps shown in the pictures and described in their captions to bring early color and beauty indoors.
Forcing Amaryllis
Forcing Amaryllis - Step 1
Shield the pot’s drainage hole from clogging by covering the bottom of the container with a layer of pea gravel, 1 inch deep.
Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Forcing Amaryllis - Step 2
Add 4 inches of potting soil. Tamp it until firm to eliminate any air pockets (but don’t compact it tightly).
Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Forcing Amaryllis - Step 3
Set the amaryllis bulb in the center, filling around it with soil to its shoulders and to the rim of the pot.
Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Forcing Amaryllis - Step 4
With your fingers, tamp the soil firmly around the bulb, until the soil is about 1 inch below the pot’s rim.
Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Forcing Amaryllis - Step 5
Saturate the soil with water. Allow it to drain thoroughly. Set the pot in a shady spot at 65-70 degrees F, and continue to water (when necessary) to keep the soil barely moist until the bulb sprouts.
Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Forcing Amaryllis - Step 6
Once the bulb sprouts, place the container in strong, indirect light in an area with normal room temperature and watch your plant grow and bloom.
Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
