Amaryllis (Hippeastrums)  - Handle bulbs carefully to avoid damage. Plant the bulb in a pot in good quality potting mixture that contains a six-month slow release fertiliser in a pot at least 150 mm wide. Plant the bulb with the top third above the mixture and make sure the roots are well spread out. While the bulb is growing, use tepid water sparingly to keep the mixture just moist, but not wet. Do not water over the nose of the bulb. Do not allow water to sit in the tray underneath the pot. If you have used a good mixture with slow release fertiliser then no additional fertilising is required. Amaryllis like a constant temperature of around 20 degrees C.  Keep the pot in a warm room, in full light or outside in a sheltered area.

Flowering usually will begin three to five weeks after planting. Once the bulb is flowering remove the pot from direct sun to extend the life of the flower.

CARE AFTER FLOWERING: When the flower is spent, remove the flower stem as close as possible to its base. Some liquid fertiliser can be given in the water now, as the bulb needs to be well fed for the next few months to be able to flower well next season. Keep watering the bulb for the next two to three months as the thick green leaves make it an attractive plant to have in the house even after flowering. 

Secrets for successful re-flowering: Flowering is initiated by a stress period of cool or dry conditions. The stress period must be at least 10 weeks to be effective. These conditions can be provided by keeping the bulbs dry during winter. Re-pot the bulb into fresh mixture from early to late Spring and follow the above growing instructions. Alternatively place the potted bulb outdoors for the winter months in a protected position. It will lose most of its leaves but this is not a problem. Simply re-pot the bulb and bring it indoors in Spring.