Expert: Kenneth Joergensen - 12/7/2003

Question
I have lot of amaryllis planted in 6 inch pots.They are blooming great rightnow.What do i do when they dry up.Can i keep them in the pots and expect them to bloom some time later or next year or will they not bloom again in the pots. How about planting them outdoors. will it be better.
I also have other types of bulbs potted including ranunculus , calla lilliies etc with the idea of moving them  in case of weather change and frost. how do potted bulbs generally do.
Thanks
sunny (zone 9)

Answer
The Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) is a true bulb that originated in the tropical areas of South America. Thus, it is a tender bulb. It performs best when grown under warm (70 to 75 oF) temperatures for 9 to 10 months to promote flowering and vegetative growth, followed by 2 to 3 months of either cool (55 oF) dry storage or cool (55 oF) growing conditions. The use of one of the latter conditions is required to promote reflowering of the bulb.

Keep in a well lit area of the house and fertilize regularily with a full strength balanced liquid fertilizer (400-500 ppm nitrogen) or you can use OSMOCOTE 14-14-14 pellets every 3 months.

After the flower fades carefully remove them by cutting at top of flower stalk. After all flowers fade, carefully cut the floral stalk off just above the bulb nose. Take care that the water that normally runs out of the freshly cut stalk does not run onto furniture, etc

Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) can be grown outside in Climatic Zones 8 to 10. Plunge the entire pot in the garden bed and fertilize the bulb 2 to 3 times per month. Avoid placing the bulb where it will dry out excessively.

Re-Flowering
If the bulb has retained its original bulb size or if it has gained in size, it can be reflowered. The key is to place the bulb at a temperature of 55 oF for a minimum of 8 to 10 weeks. This can be accomplished either by withholding water and then placing the bulb in a cool storage area or, preferably, by placing the plant in a cool (55 oF) growing location for this length of time. It is not necessary for the plant to go dormant! Once the plant has received 8 to 10 weeks of 55 F, follow the growing instructions described in Part 2 of this leaflet.

One way would be to lift the bulb with pot, re-pot if necerssary (it likes to be a bit root-bound so do not overpot into a too large pot). Place in a cool place below 55 deg F (but above freezing) for 8-10 weeks and then return to a room with 65-70 deg F temperature until the plant starts active growth again. Then it can be moved back outdoor or to a sunny window.

Generally Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) does very well in pots.