Remove all the damaged seeds and debris, then soak the seeds in water to check which are viable for sowing. Water only the potting medium, not the bulb or foliage, to prevent rotting. You want the roots of amaryllis bulbs in water to be fleshy and white. Discard those that float and dry those that sink for immediate planting. Prepare your bulb by trimming off any dry, brown roots. Not all the seeds are likely to sprout, so don’t get discouraged. Keep an eye on the water level, checking daily, and add as needed – changing the water once a week is preferable. Read more articles about Amaryllis Hippeastrum. The care of amaryllis in water begins after planting. Can You Grow Amaryllis Seeds? Sign up for our newsletter. Step 1: Choose your vase – Any flower vase you have on hand will work. So, when you fill it up, ensure the bulb is completely above the water line, or it will only rot. If you want to learn all about growing them and keeping them for years to come, then be sure to read my complete amaryllis plant care guide. Plant them immediately in a flat or small individual pots. Be sure to leave 1/3-1/2 of the top of the bulb sticking out above the soil level. All you need is an amaryllis bulb, a vase or jar slightly larger than the bulb, some gravel or pebbles, and water. They come in all colors of red, pink, and white, sometimes streaked and blushed with variations of the same colors. Cut the stem off at the top of the bulb. Read on. 3. But it may take a few years of growing it in dirt before your amaryllis will bloom again. Amaryllis is a heat-loving plant. But now the petals are wilting and the bulb is soft in spots. There are so many variables (temperature, soil, water, sunlight, age of plant, etc) that the best estimate is a range of dates. Water only when fairly dry. Shake out the seeds onto a sheet of paper. The flowers make up inflorescences that form splendid amaryllis bouquets. It will show you everything you need to know in order to keep them thriving year round! After flowering, cut off the flower stalks and treat the amaryllis as a green houseplant. Before planting soak the bottom of the bulb (basil plate) and it’s roots in water for two hours to get the bulb off to a faster start. The base of the bulb and roots should be the only parts touching the water; otherwise, rotting of the bulb will occur. Remember, if the bulb is ever left sitting in water, it will rot. And take it from someone who has made this mistake before, a rotting amaryllis bulb does NOT smell good. Your email address will not be published. Begin by adding the gravels, pebbles or decorative stones. Good luck! I have the same issue; lovely red blooms in water, but now what? Amaryllis aren’t meant to grow in water for the long-term. Instructional video on how to plant amaryllis (hippeastrum) seed. Rotate the vase as you work to fill it with pebbles so that your bulb stays centered in the vase, and to hide as many of the roots as you can. Can I save it?? So if you want your amaryllis to bloom by December 25, count back 10 to 12 weeks from that date. One that is 5 – 8″ tall is plenty, you don’t need anything too deep. GORGEOUS! So, if you want to try to save it, then I would pot it up into soil. After the flowers have faded, cut them off to prevent seed formation. Amaryllis grown in water doesn’t always perform as well as those grown in soil, but it’s still a worthwhile project. They can’t be grown in water forever. Be sure to use one that’s proportionate to the size of the bulb though, you don’t want to go too large. With proper care, you will be rewarded with gorgeous blooms in a few short weeks. Amaryllis in Water Care Place your jar in a sunny windowsill. Add water to about an inch below the base of the bulb. The water turned darker color and is starting to smell. Or you can buy one that’s specifically made for forcing bulbs in water. How to grow Amaryllis from seed Growing Amaryllis from Seed. Your plant should grow a number of leaves during the spring and summer. But, when done correctly, they will survive long enough to bloom. Did you know that amaryllis will grow happily in water? You certainly could try planting it in soil to see if it will recover. Using a sharp knife, cut stem at a 45-degree angle. When your amaryllis starts to bloom, the flower spike will grow quickly. In recent years, amaryllis bulbs have been made available that are coated in a decorative wax.. The tropical bulb does not have to be composted when the blooms fade, in fact it can be planted in the garden with your other summer flowers once the weather turns warm. It takes anywhere from three to 14 years for a seed-sprouted amaryllis to flower. The bulb will flower in six to eight weeks. Growing Amaryllis in Stones and Water These large bulbs will grow happily and bloom abundantly in nothing more than stones and water. Leave the foliage, however, to continue growing. Use your floral snips to remove any that aren’t firm and white. Plant your seeds as soon as possible in well-draining soil or vermiculite under a very thin layer of soil or perlite. Here are some tips for the best success…. You can follow the same steps for planting an amaryllis bulb in water above, but just place it on top of the rocks for support. Amaryllis requires a dry rest period immediately after flowering in order to reset the bulbs for future blooms. Clean bare root amaryllis bulbs before placing in water. While there are specialized kits available that make this endeavor easier, it’s not necessary. How often should you water an amaryllis plant? deep, or 2/3 –  3/4 of the way full. Although most amaryllis bulbs are forced indoors using soil, they can also be easily rooted and grown in water too. Growing Amaryllis In Water - I am growing amaryllis with roots in rocks and water and bulb above water..it is doing fine but water stinks ... Q. Amaryllis - After the outdoor flowers are gone and the seeds collected, do you cut the green "leaves" to the ground or ... Q. Amaryllis Petals - The flower petals appear to "glitter." Once the flowers fade, however, you’ll need to either transplant the amaryllis to soil for continual growth or you have the option of tossing it out. How to Raise Amaryllis From Seed 1. Download your copy today! Some hardy amaryllis, like … You could also add a. The bulb can bloom even without roots, so there’s not worries if the roots don’t end up growing until after it flowers. If your vase is shallow, you can trim the roots a bit to make the bulb sit lower. You could use decorative rock or glass marbles rather than pebbles. Rock on bottom for drainage? Amaryllis from Seed Growing Your Own Gorgeous Flowering Bulbs. I have an amaryllis that is finished blooming. Water . Water the seeds and keep them moist in partial shade until they sprout. Make sure that at least 1/3 of the bulb is sticking out of the surface of the soil. Step 3: Trim off any dead roots – Before you grow amaryllis in water, you should check the roots. Inspect the seeds. Apply enough water to moisten the whole root ball, and allow excess to drain off. For my project, I used a 6″ tall cylinder vase and a 6″ bulb vase. Keep an eye on the water level, checking daily, and add as needed – changing the water once a week is preferable. Plant the bulb up to its widest point, water it thoroughly and set it in a sunny window. Growing amaryllis from seeds is absolutely possible, though time consuming. If all goes well and it receives plenty of light, your amaryllis plant should eventually bloom. Amaryllis bulbs grown in water will usually need to be thrown out because they won’t grow very well afterward. Oh bummer! How to grow amaryllis Amaryllis flowers are colorful in the middle of winter, making them popular plants for the Christmas season. You should also see more root growth within the gravels. Of course, the bulbs cannot remain in this environment long term, but it’s a great way to enjoy the showy flowers over winter when all else looks dreary. Partially fill a clean vase or other container with water (amaryllis stay fresh longer in shallow water). Flush the vase with fresh water once a week for best results. How to sprout amaryllis seed by floating on water. Amaryllis bulb sitting above the water line, Caring for an amaryllis growing in water is a bit different than caring for them in soil. When the plant is actively growing leaves and flowers, water when the top inch of soil is dry. The flowers only last a few weeks...but these spring flowering plants have thick leaves that grow in clumps of glossy green, and make an attractive foliage plant for borders or … If you’re working with a glass vase, take care not to drop them in, or it could break the glass. Rotate the vase as you would for any houseplant to promote even growth. They tend to reach towards the light, so turn the vase every day in order to keep it growing straight. My brand new book Vertical Vegetables is now available for purchase!! Patience is the key when growing amaryllis seeds. Water: Water the amaryllis whenever the top inch of soil feels dry. Propagating Amaryllis Seeds by Floating. What causes this? Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! If you water it more than that, then the bulbs might be susceptible to rotting. The leave’s of the amaryllis and all the roots are still very alive. jar specifically designed for forcing bulbs, Reblooming Amaryllis Flowers - Care To Get An Amaryllis To Bloom Again, Forcing Bulbs In Winter - How To Force A Bulb Inside Your Home, Amaryllis Care Instructions: How To Care For An Amaryllis, Farm Share Gift Ideas – Giving A CSA Box To Others In Need, Garden Gifts For Quarantine: Self-Care Social Distance Garden Gifts, Seed Gift Ideas: Giving Seeds To Gardeners, Plantain Plant Care – How To Grow Plantain Trees, Marjoram Blossoms: Can You Use Marjoram Flowers, Dividing Astilbe Plants: How To Transplant Astilbe In The Garden, Picking Kumquats – Tips On Harvesting A Kumquat Tree, Recipes From The Garden: Pressure Cooking Root Vegetables, Gratitude For The Garden – Being Grateful For Each Growing Season, 7 Reasons To Do Your Garden Shopping Locally, Thankful Beyond Words – What Represents Gratefulness In My Garden. I can’t find any info on what to do to transplant my water blooming bulb to a potted one! In this post, I will give you step-by-step instructions for how to plant an amaryllis bulb in water, and share some simple care tips too. Can anyone help? I was excitedly waiting to get the seeds after the pod matured. HOW DEEP TO PLANT AN AMARYLLIS BULB. Do you strive to grow beautiful houseplants, but struggle keeping them alive through the winter? If your amaryllis bulb is firm and healthy, then you could pot it up into soil and keep it growing. Now place the bulb root side down on the gravel medium, pushing it slightly into them but leaving the top third of the bulb exposed. Avoid letting the bulb sit in wet soil, and avoid pouring water down into the crown of the bulb. Here are the detailed step-by-step instructions…. Once they have sprouted and they look like grass, transfer them to a large pot and treat them like normal amaryllis. If your amaryllis bulb doesn’t have any roots yet, then you can fill the vase with pebbles first (step 6), and place the bulb (pointy side up) on top of the pebbles. Gather amaryllis seeds after the flowers fade and ripen into capsules. Growing amaryllis in water is a fun project, and can add a unique flair to your holiday decor. If you use a bulb vase, and your bulb can sit on top of the rim, then you won’t need any pebbles (unless you like them for decorative purposes). The trick to successfully growing amaryllis in water is to make sure the bulb never touches the water. Although an exercise in patience, growing Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) bulbs from seed can be advantageous and offers the opportunity to hybridize something new, exciting and different in the world of Amaryllis. I’m a passionate gardener who loves growing everything from vegetables, herbs, and flowers to succulents, tropicals, and houseplants - you name, I've grown it! Have you ever tried growing amaryllis in water before? Growing amaryllis bulbs in water is a fun project, and can add a lovely dramatic effect to your Christmas or holiday decor, but… there is a downside. Amaryllis do not need specific soil, however, we suggest using quick-draining soil, or a mixture of soil, peat, and perlite. Until the bulb has sprouted leaves and/or flower shoots, keep the planting mix just slightly moist. Step 2: Choose the pebbles – The pebbles are not only for decoration, but they also help to stabilize the bulb, and hold it up and out of the water. (Temperatures higher than 54° F. will initiate sprouting.) Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. How do you suggest I encourage root growth in the water without causing root rot? During the growing/ flowering period, water your amaryllis whenever the top 2 inches of soil become dry. I received a beautiful large pink amaryllis bulb from Holland, which I’m growing in water. Try to maintain the water level so it stays just below the bottom of the bulb at all times. If you plant it too deep, it may not flower. This is important. It is not grown in the open soil, it does not tolerate cold wintering. Add water to the container until the water level is 1 inch below the top of the amaryllis bulb. I have amaryllis in the center surrounded by 3 hyacinths. Required fields are marked *. Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) seeds are not readily available on the market. Waxed Amaryllis Bulbs. That will only rot and make the water smell terrible. Read More... I’ve tried growing amaryllis and hyacinths in water and they made great roots and the hyacinths had little flowers, but then everything stopped and seemed like started to die. Want to learn more about amaryllis bulbs grown in water? I live and garden in Minneapolis, MN (zone 4b). How To Grow Indoor Plants: The Ultimate Guide, How To Melt Snow For Watering Houseplants, How To Care For A Pothos Plant (Devil’s Ivy), 17 Of The Best Office Plants For Your Workspace, 15 Easy Indoor Plants That Anyone Can Grow, How To Fertilize Houseplants: The Ultimate Guide, Terms Of Use, Disclaimer and Privacy Policy. Fill the container almost to the top with tap water. Forced Amaryllis bulbs should be refrigerated until planting. So how then is it done, you ask. Sometimes the leaves will grow first, and sometimes the flower will. Grow the amaryllis as a foliage plant through the spring and summer until the leaves turn yellow. Thank you for the nice article! If you’re using Spanish moss on the top of your potting mix, move this aside before you water your plants. Step 4: Rinse dirt off the roots – If the bulb was previously growing in dirt, then you’ll want to rinse any remaining debris and soil off the roots before planting the bulb in water. The main thing to keep in mind when growing amaryllis in water is not to let the bulb itself come in contact with the water, as this will promote rot. You can also gently shake the vase so the pebbles will settle evenly. Amaryllis bulbs grown in water will usually need to be thrown out because they won’t grow very well afterward. Unfortunately, it sounds like your bulb may be rotting. With the use of a jar specifically designed for forcing bulbs in water, you’ll be amazed at just how easy it is to force an amaryllis in water. Sprinkle the seeds on the water, cover loosely with the lid and allow the container to sit in a warm, sunny area until the seeds sprout. Growing amaryllis in groups has the most landscape impact...when 10 or more go into bloom, the sight is spectacular. Depending on the type of jar used, this may be about 4 inches (10 cm.) Step 5: Position your amaryllis bulb in the vase – Position the bulb in the vase at the level you want it. Just plant the bulb in good potting soil, water regularly and provide bright, indirect light. However, if the bulb is rotting, then you may not be able to save it. Give the growing amaryllis good light and keep the water fresh. Add 1 pack of cut-flower food. (GAG!). Growing Tips Plant neck deep, or with one-third to one-half visible above the soil line. Plant the seeds about 1 inch (2.5cm) deep in a regular soil. The newly forming roots will stretch downward toward the water. Your email address will not be published. Keep an eye on the water level to make sure it doesn’t evaporate completely, you never want the roots to dry out. In order to grow amaryllis in water, all you need is an amaryllis bulb, and a couple of items you can find around the house…, Supplies for planting amaryllis bulbs in water, This is a super easy project, and only takes about 20 minutes to complete once you have collected all of your supplies. Some people also like to add aquarium charcoal to the gravels, which helps to prevent odors. There shouldn’t be any problem combining the two types of bulbs in one container. After blooming, plant the bulb in a pot or the garden. For my project I chose to use two kinds of river rock, one is multi-colored rock, and the other is plain black rock (which will look stunning with my red amaryllis flowers!). Also, is there any problem with combining amaryllis and hyacinth in one container? As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Snip off the seed capsule and break it open. Amaryllis is prized for its huge showy flowers ranging from scarlet or crimson to white in color, and often striped or mottled. This will help the plant produce energy for the next year's bloom. Can i use a vase like this with dirt? In a pot, allow the bulb neck, or stem end, to be above the soil. You will likely have to wait a … Step 6: Add pebbles to your vase – Slowly add your rocks, pebbles or marbles to the vase. Wait until the seed capsules turn pale beige... 2. Planting Bulb: Plant your amaryllis in light, well-draining potting mix, with the top 1/3 of the bulb sticking up out of the soil. Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. Soak the amaryllis seeds in a bowl of water overnight to determine which are viable. Maintain temps of at least 60-75 degrees F. (15-23 C.), as the bulb depends on the warmth to help with sprouting. Step 7: Fill vase with tepid water – Fill the vase so that the water line is below the bottom of the bulb. Amaryllis bulbs are the size of a very large onion (or larger), but they like to be somewhat crowded in their pots. The hybrid amaryllis (Hippeastrum) is a tender bulb easily grown in pots. The true blossoms in autumn. Step 8: Place your bulbs in a sunny location – Once your amaryllis is planted in water, move it to a warm, sunny spot, and within a few weeks it should start to grow. But one of my grown from seed Amaryllis' bloomed and then developed really large seed pods. The Downside Of Forcing Amaryllis Bulbs In Water. You might find it easier to tilt the vase sideways so the rocks will slide into the bottom slower. Good luck! It’s easy to do, and you can get really creative with it. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. You can view our many amaryllis Hippeastrum bulbs, plants and seeds at our website: www.amaryllisman.com Only use clean rocks in the water, you want to keep the it clean and clear. You will need to … If the bulb is planted … Growing amaryllis bulbs in water is a fun project, and can add a lovely dramatic effect to your Christmas or holiday decor, but… there is a downside. After germination, growing amaryllis … You can also subscribe without commenting. Plus I’ll give you some simple care tips, and I’ll also discuss the cons of doing it (just in case you decide to change your mind). Amaryllis bulbs grown in water do not generally grow well in subsequent plantings. PLANTING AMARYLLIS. Check to see if they have started rotting, that may be what is cause the water to be dirty and stinky. If you sprout seeds in water, once roots appear, transfer the seeds to a germinating mix, barely covering them. You can start amaryllis seeds in the greenhouse to provide the ideal environment for sprouting. I received an amaryllis bulb without roots for a gift. However, if the bulb is firm, and isn’t showing any signs of rot after you remove it from the water, then you certainly could try planting it in soil. A support stake is handy for keeping the blooms upright, but little else is required. All content found on this website is copyrighted materials and any form of reproduction is strictly prohibited. No, definitely do not try to put dirt in the vase with your amaryllis bulb. The idea is that sealing the bulb with wax prevents moisture loss and the bulb will be able to bloom one time without any additional water or soil. Provide bright sunshine and warmth to encourage sprouting. Forcing amaryllis into seasonal bloom requires careful manipulation of the watering schedule (see above). Generally, you should only water the amaryllis pots if the top inch of the potting mix is dry when you touch it. I am very familiar with what the seeds look like etc. Nowadays it is rather popular and you can find amaryllis bulbs for sale in every florist shop, as well as amaryllis seeds. Q. Then my Winter Houseplant Care eBook is exactly what you need! Maintain temps of at least 60-75 degrees F. (15-23 C.), as the bulb depends on the warmth to help with sprouting. To "plant" your bulb, begin by carefully placing river stones or pebbles to a depth of about 2-4" in our vase or your own container. Growing amaryllis in water is a fun project, and looks cool too. Once your amaryllis is blooming, you can move it to a cooler location out of direct sunlight to make the blossoms last longer. These are “one-time-use” bulbs. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees through links to Amazon.com. Don’t worry if the leaves start to grow first, that doesn’t mean your amaryllis won’t bloom. That being said, if you do decide to continue growing your amaryllis plant, it may take a couple of years before it reblooms. In this case, the date range is 10 to 12 weeks. I have planted Amaryllis seeds many times over the years so I have some unusual Amaryllis' already. Within a few weeks to a month or so, you should begin noticing a small shoot emerging from the top of your amaryllis bulb. In some instances, the gravel stones aren’t even needed, but I feel it looks more attractive. Below you’ll learn exactly how to force amaryllis bulbs in water. I emptied the water and added fresh, but is there anything I can do to save them? Amaryllis can be grown outdoors throughout the year in mild climates, but must be grown indoors in Nebraska except during the warm summer months. Immediately turn flower upside down and pour fresh water into stem. Here’s a detailed post with tons more information about potting up and also caring for it… How To Care For An Amaryllis. Keep the water level just below the bulb. Be sure it has drainage holes so excess water can drain, and add saucer to catch the runoff. When the amaryllis blooms, rotate the container 90 degrees every day or two so that the bloom grows straight. My green thumb comes from my parents, and I've been gardening most of my life. Once you have everything you need, it’s time to place your bulb in the vase. Few bulbs are easier to grow than amaryllis — and few bloom with greater exuberance and beauty. Keep them moist and in partial shade until they begin to sprout. You can simply use a general purpose potting soil, and a container that is only slightly larger than the bulb. Then, water as usual and apply water-soluble fertilizer every four weeks. It’s true, and with suitable care of amaryllis in water, the plant will even bloom abundantly. Amaryllis are some of the most beautiful flowering bulbs. This will help to keep the water clear and fresh longer too. Planting amaryllis in water rather than dirt is a cute way to display them for the holidays, and it’s a really fun DIY project too. Make sure to keep the water fresh so that it stays clean. Dead or damaged roots will decay, and make the water get yucky (and stinky) very quickly. Share your tips in the comments section below.