Amaryllis is a blooming bulb that originates from South Africa’s tropical regions.
The amaryllis is also a half-hardy bulbous plant that can bloom even in the winter.
The amaryllis plant, also called Amaryllis belladonna, comes in two varieties, the pink and pale red varieties.
It grows best in warm, moist soil in areas with warm temperatures. The lack of these requirements may be the reason for the amaryllis not growing.
Table of Contents
Reasons for Amaryllis Not Growing?
The most common reasons for the stunted growth of amaryllis are inadequate sunlight exposure, cold temperatures, and dry soil. Underwatering, overwatering, pests and diseases, and misuse of fertilizers may also be factored in preventing the development of the amaryllis.
7 Reasons Why Amaryllis Is Not Growing
1. Dry Soil
Being from the tropical regions of South Africa, amaryllis thrives in areas with moist soil. However, you might be providing adequate amounts of water, but the soil still ends up dry.
This might be the case of using soil with large particles. The large particles promote the fast drainage of the water hence leaving the plant without access to water.
Without water, the plant cannot grow. Hence it becomes necessary for you to move the plant to a better environment such as multipurpose compost or a good potting mixture.
2. Cold Temperatures
A condition for the growth of an amaryllis plant is a minimum temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit with an ideal temperature range from 68 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Due to such requirements, the amaryllis plant can grow indoors or can be moved outside during the spring.
However, cold temperatures prevent amaryllis’ growth as it prevents the enzymatic function from occurring at its optimum level.
To mitigate this, I recommend you place the plant in the warmest areas of your room or greenhouse.
3. Inadequate Lighting
Sunlight is necessary for photosynthesis, which is primarily converting carbon dioxide into food for the plant.
The amaryllis plant uses the food from photosynthesis to power its growth. Therefore, growing the plant in darkness prevents photosynthesis, effectively leading to stunted growth.
Placing the plant in a well-lit area should provide sufficient lighting to the plant. As a bonus, I implore you to regularly rotate the pot to ensure the plant’s stalk grows upright.
Rotating the plant ensures all sides receive the same amount of sunlight.
4. The Bulb May Be Dormant
A common reason for an amaryllis plant not growing is that the plant might still be dormant.
Dormancy is not a requirement of the plant, but farmers might induce dormancy to control the blooming time of the plant.
Dormancy in the amaryllis plant is induced by not watering the plant. From this, watering the plant should cause the plant to come out of its dormancy and continue growing.
5. Water Content
Mismanagement of the plant’s water content is expressed through underwatering or overwatering.
Underwatering the plant dehydrates it while overwatering the plant dilutes the plant’s natural fluids and might cause some diseases. Both these conditions prevent the growth of the amaryllis plant.
As a seedling, the plant requires a little water until it reaches a height of two inches. From there, you can water regularly.
However, I recommend you visit an arborist who might provide the necessary measurements regarding the plant’s water intake.
6. Fertilizer Use
Fertilizers are artificial or natural supplements that you add to the soil to promote the growth of a plant.
However, the use of too much fertilizer might burn and destroy the plant. The use of the wrong fertilizer might also have adverse effects such as the wilting of leaves and the plant’s eventual death.
Therefore, consult an arborist before purchasing fertilizer as they are trained professionals regarding plants and the fertilizers they require.
7. Presence of Pests and Diseases
Amaryllis is prone to attacks from a fungus that cause diseases such as red blotch or leaf scorch and leaf spot. In addition, brown lesions on the soil surface might be a sign of bulb decay.
To prevent or control the presence of pests, you can use insecticidal soap or a pesticide. For diseases, I prefer visiting an arborist.
The arborist can determine the disease from its symptoms or tissue samples. They can then decide to either treat the plant or recommend its disposal in worse conditions.
Importance of Growing Amaryllis
- Amaryllis provides an aesthetic value through its flowers.
- It is a source of oxygen.
- Amaryllis provides a calming environment.
Common Varieties of Amaryllis
Owing to the large variety of amaryllis plants, we decided to group them based on the plant’s flowers.
The flowers come in various colors, ranging from white to orange.
- Clown — They possess petals that have verdant red stripes against petals of pure white color.
- Picotee — This plant has large flowers that are white in color. There’s also a red band on the blooms’ edges.
- Ruby Star — This variety has a bloom with burgundy petals.
- Desire — This amaryllis variety produces blooms with a color resembling sunset orange.
- Apple blossom — The plant’s flowers have white petals with hints of soft pink.
- Red Peacock — This cultivar boasts of deep red blooms with the petal’s center showcasing narrow white stripes.
- Dancing Queen — This double variety Amaryllis shows off pure white petals with a fluffy look. The red candy stripes are a real beut.
- Snow Drift — A pure white-flowered variety that has multiple petals.
- Nymph — It is another white cultivar.
- Chico — This variety sports spidery petals of ivory with reddish-purple markings enhancing its tropical appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Why Your Amaryllis is not Growing
How can I make the amaryllis grow faster?
With exposure to sufficient lighting, soil drainage, and a balanced supply of nutrients and water. These requirements promote photosynthesis that fuels the plant’s growth.
What should I do with the bulbs once they flower?
Depending on your choice, you can let the bulb stay in the pot. If you choose to store it, you may remove it and place it in a cool and dark place. These conditions promote the freshness of the bulb.
What prevents the plant from flowering?
In some cases, the plant may first grow leaves and then start flowering after the first batch of leaves has dropped. Slow flowering might also be a result of dormancy in the plant’s state. Hurried removal from inactivity can also prevent flowering.
Conclusion
For the amaryllis plant to grow, it requires a healthy environment.
A healthy environment comes in the form of good soil drainage, provision of adequate water, and sufficient sunlight.
Additionally, a good understanding of the plant’s physical traits is required to take good care of them.
Daniel has been a plant enthusiast for over 20 years. He owns hundreds of houseplants and prepares for the chili growing seasons yearly with great anticipation. His favorite plants are plant species in the Araceae family, such as Monstera, Philodendron, and Anthurium. He also loves gardening and is growing hot peppers, tomatoes, and many more vegetables.