Amaryllis for Beginners: How to Grow Big Blooms for the Holidays

Amaryllis for Beginners: How to Grow Big Blooms for the Holidays

If you’re dreaming of show-stopping holiday flowers, amaryllis is one of the easiest, and most dramatic, winter bloomers you can grow indoors. Those huge trumpet-shaped flowers look like something only expert gardeners could pull off, but the truth is: amaryllis bulbs are surprisingly low-maintenance, incredibly rewarding, and perfect for beginners.

At Urbane Eight, we carry premium amaryllis, modern planters, potting mixes, and holiday accessories to help you grow a stunning centerpiece right in your living room. Here’s everything you need to know about amaryllis care, bloom timing, and how to get big, gorgeous flowers just in time for the holidays.


What Makes Amaryllis Perfect for Beginners?

Amaryllis bulbs contain everything they need to grow—sun, water, and warmth are really all you provide. Unlike poinsettias or Christmas cactus, they don’t require special lighting tricks or humidity boosts. Just plant, place, and enjoy.

Even better, amaryllis comes in a range of festive colours, from classic red to soft blush tones, white, candy stripe, and deep burgundy. Browse our seasonal favourites here: amaryllis collection


How to Plant an Amaryllis Bulb Indoors

Growing amaryllis indoors starts with choosing the right pot and planting the bulb correctly.

Choose a snug pot

Select a pot just a bit wider than the bulb—amaryllis prefers to be slightly cramped. Try pairing yours with one of our ceramic or stone planters:
pots and planters

Plant the bulb halfway above the soil

Place the bulb so that the top one-third to one-half sticks out of the soil. This helps prevent rot and encourages strong, upright growth.

Use well-draining soil

Regular indoor potting mix works great; add a bit of perlite for extra drainage. You can also pick up our ready-to-use potting soil:
indoor potting mix

Water lightly at first

Give it a good initial watering and then leave it alone until new growth appears. Overwatering is the fastest way to stall amaryllis growth.


Amaryllis Care Indoors: Light, Water, and Temperature

Once planted, amaryllis needs:

Bright, indirect light

A south or east-facing window is ideal. Light drives flower development, so aim for the brightest room in the house.

Water sparingly until growth begins

When you see a green shoot, begin watering whenever the top inch of soil feels dry. Keep the soil lightly moist, never soggy.

Warm temperatures

Amaryllis love warmth—20–24°C during active growth. Cooler rooms will slow things down.

Use a stylish watering can for precise care:
watering accessories


Amaryllis Blooming Time: When Will It Flower?

Bloom time depends on the bulb, but most amaryllis take 6–10 weeks from planting to flowering. For Christmas blooms, plant your bulb in late October or early November. For New Year’s or mid-winter colour, plant anytime in November or December.


Why Isn’t My Amaryllis Blooming?

If your amaryllis seems stuck, here are the usual reasons:

Not enough light

Move it to a brighter spot.

Overwatering

Let the soil dry slightly before watering again.

Bulb planted too deep

Replant with the top half exposed.

Cold temperatures

If the room is below 18°C consistently, blooming slows significantly.

Give it warmth and bright light—it almost always snaps back.


After Blooming: What to Do With Your Amaryllis

Once the flowers fade, you can keep the bulb growing like a regular houseplant:

• Cut off spent flower stalks (but leave the leaves).
• Keep it in bright light and water when dry.
• Fertilize lightly every few weeks.
• In fall, give it a rest period to encourage reblooming.


Bring Home an Easy Holiday Bloomer

Amaryllis is one of the simplest holiday plants for beginners and delivers unmatched colour and drama. Whether you’re gifting one or growing your own, we have beautiful bulbs and modern planters ready for planting.

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