Hippeastrum Growing Guide

October 29, 2025 at 2:02 pm, No comments

Why does bulb size matter?

Bulb circumference	Number of flower stalks	Flowers per stalk	Total flowers
26–28 cm	1	2–3	2–3
28–30 cm	1–2	3–4	3–8
30–32 cm	2	3–4	6–8
32 - 34 cm	2–3	3–6	6-12
34 - 36 cm	2-3	3–6	6-14
36 - 38+ cm	3-4	3-6	6-18

The table shows approximate flowering potential, not a guaranteed number of flower stalks or flowers. This depends on the variety and growing conditions.

Planting and waking the bulb

We usually start waking the bulb in one of these months: October, November, December, January, February, March. It takes approximately 6–8 weeks from the start of waking the bulb until flowering. People often time this process so that their hippeastrum blooms for Christmas; New Year's Eve; Valentine's Day; March 8; Mother's Day or another special day. Of course, a hippeastrum blooming at any other time will bring just as much colorful joy. Give it a try yourself! :)

You can grow Hippeastrum in soil (in a pot) or without soil (in a vase).

In a pot:

Choose a heavy pot — as the plant grows tall, it can topple in a lightweight container.
The pot should be about twice as deep as the bulb and only 2–3 cm wider around it.
You can also plant several bulbs together in a wider pot.
A universal potting mix works well.
Do not bury the bulb completely — keep at least half above the surface.

In a vase:

You can also grow it decoratively on pebbles or glass beads, with a small amount of water just touching the roots, not the bulb base.
There are also special glass vases designed for forcing Hippeastrum bulbs.

Watering and Feeding

After planting, water once to settle the bulb.
Then water sparingly — the bulb should not sit in wet compost.

Place the pot in a warm spot (20–24°C) with bright but indirect light.
Soon, the flower stem will begin to appear.

Once active growth starts, increase watering. Turn the pot occasionally so the stem grows straight toward the light.

When the flower bud is formed, start feeding with a potassium-rich fertilizer (NPK 5–10–10).
Continue feeding while the leaves remain green.

This post-flowering period is crucial — it allows the bulb to store energy for the next season.

Rest Period

After flowering, cut off the wilted bloom only.
Leave the stem and leaves — they continue to feed the bulb.
Cut the stem near the neck only when it turns yellow, so all nutrients return to the bulb.

The leaves usually last until late summer.
When they start to yellow naturally, the bulb is ready for rest.
If they haven’t died back by late summer, cut them to about 10 cm above the bulb — this helps trigger dormancy.

Store the bulb in a cool, dry, dark place (10–15°C) during this resting period.
Do not repot — leave it in the same pot until autumn, when you can begin watering again to start the next bloom cycle.

Can You Cut the Flower for a Vase?

Yes! A Hippeastrum flower stem lasts beautifully in a vase for up to 10 days.
Cut the stem at the base, place it in clean water, and change the water every few days.
Cutting the flower stem does not harm the bulb in any way.

How Long Can a Bulb Live?

With proper care and yearly rest, one Hippeastrum bulb can live and bloom beautifully for 10–15 years — sometimes even longer!

Amaryllis or Hippeastrum — What’s the Difference?

Most of the flowers sold in stores under the name Amaryllis are actually Hippeastrum.
They belong to the same plant family (Amaryllidaceae), which is why the name “amaryllis” has been widely used in everyday language — even by botanists and growers.

Amaryllis belladonna — the true Amaryllis — grows in South Africa.
Hippeastrum reginae — the Hippeastrum we know as a potted plant with large, trumpet-shaped flowers — originates from South America and blooms during the winter months.