Grow Amaryllis Bulbs Indoors The Mess-Free Way With This Tip

With its vivid, trumpet-shaped blooms, amaryllis (Hippeastrum spp.) is known as an iconic holiday flower that can brighten up the long, winter nights and cold dreary days. The bulbs of these flowers are usually sold in the fall, which, after planting, will bloom indoors over the holiday season. You may have displayed these flowers in previous years, growing them in pots filled with soil. But did you know that there is a mess-free way to showcase these lovely amaryllis blooms in your home? Although soil is the most common method of growing these flowers, you can also force them to bloom in water. 

To grow these beautiful indoor winter flowers in water, you will need a suitable container. A bulb vase or forcing jar is a great option that you can use year after year for amaryllises and other winter flowering bulbs. The wide top and a narrow neck design allows the bulbs to rest securely just above the water. If you do not have a bulb vase, check your cupboards for glass jars you could reuse. If it keeps the bulb above the water with the roots submerged, your amaryllis flower will be just fine.

If you do have a bulb vase, add water until it reaches the area just below the midsection. Then, place the bulb on the wide top and tuck the roots into the water. If you do not have a vase that allows your bulb to stay above the water, you could use a layer of pebbles or marbles to sit it on. Next, you will want to add water until it comes up just below the bulb as this will keep it above the water while still allowing the roots to absorb the moisture they need. Once you have prepared your amaryllis, place it somewhere that receives at least four hours of direct sunlight a day. A windowsill is an ideal location for this sun-loving flower. 

As your amaryllis grows, you should be sure that there is enough water in the vase, but not too much. You don't want to submerge the bulb, since they are prone to rotting when too wet. If your flower is becoming too heavy and is falling to one side, you can add pebbles to keep it sturdy. As it will not flower again in water, you can save your amaryllis bulbs for more blooms next season by planting them in soil.