How to Propagate Amaryllis Bulbs by Cutting
The amaryllis (Hippeastrum) is a flowering plant native to the tropics of South America. The stalks of the amaryllis can grow two to three feet tall, and produce two or more large cone-shaped blooms in a variety of colors—among them red, pink, salmon, and white. Between July and November, amaryllis bulbs can be propagated by cutting the large bulbs into several sections and then replanting them.
Dig up the amaryllis bulbs with a shovel between July and November, after the plants have bloomed and grown for several months. Leave as much of the root matter in tact as possible.
Trim off the foliage with a pair of scissors or bypass pruners.
Cut the amaryllis bulbs into sections vertically (top to bottom) with a sharp knife. Each bulb can be cut into four or more sections as long as there are at least two scales attached to the root, or basal plate, on the bottom of the bulb.
- The amaryllis (Hippeastrum) is a flowering plant native to the tropics of South America.
- Cut the amaryllis bulbs into sections vertically (top to bottom) with a sharp knife.
Apply garden fungicide dust to each new amaryllis root section. Fungicide dust will help prevent any incidence of disease after replanting the bulbs.
Plant the amaryllis bulb sections in trays, root side down, containing a well-draining type of planting material such as vermiculite, or a mixture of peat moss and sand. Cover one third of each root piece with the planting material and water well.
Keep the new bulbs moist in a warm, but shaded area.
Transplant amaryllis bulbs into pots after one to two leaves have formed on the plants.
Tip
Water the amaryllis immediately after re-potting. Allow the soil to dry a bit on the surface before re-watering, but do not allow the plants to dry out completely.
Amaryllis bulbs grow best in sunny locations where the temperatures are at least 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. If growing amaryllis indoors, move pots to a cool area after blooming to preserve flowers for as long as possible.
Cut off flowers, and their stalks, as they fade to promote continued blooming.
Warning
Do not plant amaryllis bulbs in any planting material that contains pine bark.
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References
Tips
- Water the amaryllis immediately after re-potting. Allow the soil to dry a bit on the surface before re-watering, but do not allow the plants to dry out completely.
- Amaryllis bulbs grow best in sunny locations where the temperatures are at least 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. If growing amaryllis indoors, move pots to a cool area after blooming to preserve flowers for as long as possible.
- Cut off flowers, and their stalks, as they fade to promote continued blooming.
Warnings
- Do not plant amaryllis bulbs in any planting material that contains pine bark.
Writer Bio
Barbara Biehler is a freelance writer who has written articles for various websites, as well as online specialty courses for MyComputerBuddies.com. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Central Florida and over 15 years experience in business development, sales and marketing. An avid gardener, cook and voracious reader, Biehler resides with her family near Nashville, Tennessee.
