The Amaryllis is one of the most good-looking plants that produce stunning flowers.
It hails from the plant genus Hippeastrum and makes an excellent indoor as well as outdoor plant.
The genus has 70 to 75 species and over 600 hybrid cultivars.
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Best Fertilizers for Growing Amaryllis
The best fertilizers for growing amaryllis are low in nitrogen (N) with an NPK ratio of 4-10-10 or 10-20-20. 1 to 1.5 pounds of fertilizer needs to be applied per 100 feet of row. Fertilize when growth appears initially and again when the stalks are 6” tall. Fertilize a third time after flowering.
Best Fertilizers for Growing Amaryllis
According to Clemson University, mulch should be applied in fall and winter.
Table of Contents
The Amaryllis Plant
The Amaryllis plant is tropical in nature and showcases large bulbs that attract the attention of any and all by-passers.
It originates from the Amaryllis plant family, which includes over 60 genera.
It was first sighted in South America along with its fellow species such as the Naked Lady.
Its strap-like thin leaves that emerge from the ground level set it apart from the Naked Lady variety with no apparent foliage.
The Amaryllis flowers form in an upward fashion from their center and are nearly equal to the attached stalks.
It reaches a height of about 18 to 36 inches (46 to 91 centimeters); however, it mostly depends on the variety and the environment.
The beautiful plant produces large lily-like or bell-shaped flowers that enhance the appearance of the dullest corners.
So far, the colors they have been observed in are white, pink, red, salmon, orange, and bicolor.
The Amaryllis plant opens up to present two to six flowers per stalk, even with minimum to normal care.
Moreover, the most famous varieties that are frequently sold include the Dutch or South African hybrids that bloom without any special treatment when initially purchased.
For a plant as impressive and hassle-free as the Amaryllis, it deserves the utmost care and love.
Some of the main determinants for growing a healthy and happy Amaryllis are moisture, potting soil, and, most importantly, fertilizer.
Fortunately, the gorgeous Amaryllis thrives with the application of a wide variety of fertilizers, and to help you narrow down these types, we have prepared this simple guide.
White Amaryllis flower
Planting the Amaryllis Plant
Before feeding your plant, you must first prepare an environment for it that feels like home, or at least is not too different than its natural habitat.
Although several hybrid varieties are now available, their basic needs remain the same.
Like most plants, the Amaryllis likes open and fresh air, and thus, it should be planted in well-draining and well-aerated soils.
If in a pot, please ensure that it has drainage holes at the bottom for unrestricted drainage.
For people living in USDA hardiness zones 8 to 10, the ground available outdoors is ideal.
When the Amaryllis is planted in the soil, it grows reasonably well without causing you much trouble.
Things are almost just as simple for the enthusiastic gardeners living away from these zones as these beauties will thrive even in less than ideal conditions.
To create the perfect soil mix, rub one to two tablespoons of bone meal into the planting hole, which easily fits the entire bulb.
With the help of your hands, work the bulb into the planting hole, ensuring that the plant remains upright.
However, keep in mind that the plant’s tip should slightly protrude above the surface of the soil.
You can also add a mixture of peat moss and perlite; this makes an excellent growing medium.
Furthermore, grow the plant where it receives plenty of sunlight all day (6 to 8 hours) and enough water to keep its soil moist; these settings promote blooming and new growth.
I strongly suggest not to use pine bark in Amaryllis’ soil mix as it may cause complications for the plant.
Amaryllis should be fertilized 3 times
Best Fertilizers for Growing Amaryllis
Dr. Earth 700P Organic 1 Bulb Fertilizer in Poly Bag, 4-Pound, Multi Fertilizer
The Dr. Earth 700P Organic 1 Bulb Fertilizer in Poly Bag, 4-Pound, Multi Fertilizer, with a 4.7/5 rating, is one of the greatest feeds available in the market. This fertilizer does not only promote blooms but also helps sprout new vines and foliage.
The fertilizer has numerous benefits that are not only good for the plant but are also excellent for nature.
The foremost benefit is that it is 100% organic and contains ingredients that are natural and hand-crafted.
Therefore, besides the plant, it also allows useful earthworms to grow within the soil.
The Amaryllis grows exceptionally well in mildly acidic to neutral soils, ranging in pH from 6.0 to 6.5.
The Dr. Earth 700P Organic Fertilizer is made at a pH of 6.5, ideal for the Amaryllis plant.
The tropical Amaryllis is not an avid feeder and requires food once or twice a month, depending on the fertilizer’s form.
The Dr. Earth 700P Organic feed comes in a 4-pound packaging which is enough to last you for months.
Thus, you do not need to maintain a bulk of fertilizer which is a plus point for those on a tight budget.
What is most remarkable about the Amaryllis plant is its blooms.
Keeping this in mind, the experts at Dr. Earth Store have created a fertilizer that focuses mainly on bigger and brighter blooms without compromising the nutrient supply of other parts.
The Amaryllis also likes light and free-draining soils.
Thus, this fertilizer by Dr. Earth Store loosens the soil that houses the plant and simultaneously improves the overall soil structure.
The feed formula is of prime importance, so the Dr. Earth 700P Organic Fertilizer has all the necessary minerals that ensure unperturbed and healthy growth.
Moreover, it is compatible with short- and long-term feeding.
Additionally, the Dr. Earth 700P Organic Feed is human-friendly and is also safe for pets and other animals.
Summary:
- 100% organic with natural and hand-crafted ingredients
- It comes in a 4-pound size package
- Maintains a pH of 6.5
- 100% nature-friendly and organic
- Larger and more abundant blooms
- Loosens and improves soil texture
- Safe for humans and pets
The Dr. Earth 700P Organic 1 Bulb Fertilizer in Poly Bag, 4-Pound, Multi Fertilizer is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an organic and natural fertilizer.
Amaryllis are prone to mosaic virus
Lilly Miller Bulb & Bloom Food 4-10-10 4lb
The Lilly Miller Bulb & Bloom Food Fertilizer 4-10-10- 4 lb. has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 for the right reasons.
The fertilizer is high-quality and combines essential food components that help the plant in various ways.
The composition of the Lilly Miller fertilizer is 4-10-4, meaning it contains nitrogen in a ratio of 4, phosphorus in 10, and potassium in a ratio of 4 again.
As a gardener, knowing what the NPK heading means and why it is important are necessary.
This fertilizer supplies the Amaryllis plant with nitrogen, responsible for maintaining the plant’s overall structure, food processing (metabolism), and photosynthesis-a natural process that allows a plant to make its food by absorbing sunlight.
Nitrogen further encourages healthy food production and helps the plant reach its maximum height.
Next comes phosphorous, which is vital for producing vibrant blooms.
It also plays a chief role in numerous key functions including the transfer of energy (food) from one part to another, fair distribution of sugars and starches, passing on of genetic characteristics from parent plant to offspring, and lastly, photosynthesis.
Last but not least is potassium which is a major regulator of photosynthesis and the opening and closing of stomata, the parts that are involved in gaseous and water vapor exchange.
Furthermore, it prevents energy losses and reduces unnecessary perspiration.
Additionally, this fertilizer is made up of a slow-release formula, meaning that it gradually releases its nutrients giving the Amaryllis plant plenty of time to take up all minerals efficiently and use or store them, as per the plant’s requirement.
It also encourages beautiful and vibrant blooms that add to the Amaryllis plant’s attractiveness.
Summary:
- Lilly Miller Bulb & Bloom Food 4-10-10 4lb combines nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium
- Promotes bright and vigorous blooms
- Slow-release formula
- This product is made in the United States
The Lilly Miller Bulb & Bloom Food Fertilizer 4-10-10- 4 lb. brings together all essential plant feed constituents and so is a great option.
Amaryllis will produce leaves in instead of bulbs if too much nitrogen (N) is applied
Jobe’s Organics 9626 Bulb Granular Fertilizer, 4 lb. Brown
The Jobe’s Organics 9626 Bulb Granular, 4 lb. Brown Fertilizer is one of your safest bets when it comes to buying a high-quality, fast-acting feed.
It is an organic fertilizer that benefits the plant while causing no harm to other advantageous organisms in the soil.
The Jobe’s Organics fertilizer comes in a fine, granular form that easily dissolves into liquids when added to the Amaryllis plant’s base.
It is free from all synthetic and harsh chemicals that are frequently present in other feeds.
The formula of this fertilizer has been made keeping in mind all the needs of the Amaryllis plant.
When added, it acts faster than other feeds and helps the plant in developing to its maximum potential.
Its great composition makes it suitable for several other flowering species, such as tulips, lilies, daffodils, and numerous other bulb flowers.
What quickens the action of the Jobe’s Organics feed is the manufacturer’s special proprietary microorganism archaea that aggressively breaks down the fertilizer for easier absorption by the Amaryllis plant.
Furthermore, it makes the soil condition better and more favorable and helps the plant stay fit and hydrated during drought or dormancy seasons.
It also is involved in strengthening the Amaryllis plant’s immune system and keeps harmful insects and infections at bay.
The Jobe’s Organics fertilizer is packed in a 4-pound packaging and is easy to open and pour.
Ideally, mix it with lukewarm water and apply it over the plant’s soil every three to five weeks.
The Jobe’s Organics fertilizer has an NPK ratio of 3:5:4 and so is a complete package for feeding Amaryllis plants.
Summary:
- Organic, granular fertilizer
- Quick-acting bulb fertilizer suitable for Amaryllis, tulips, lilies, daffodils, and numerous other bulb flowers
- OMRI listed for organic gardening by USDA
- Certified and contains no synthetic or harmful chemicals
- It contains Jobe’s Biozome proprietary microorganism, archaea, that aggressively breaks down fertilizer for faster results
- Jobe’s Biozome overall improves soil conditions and helps plants resist disease, insects and drought during all seasons
- Easy pour bag
- Fertilizer analysis equals to 3-5-4
- 4-pound bag; use every 3 to 5 weeks
The Jobe’s Organics 9626 Bulb Granular, 4 lb. Brown Fertilizer contains all essential elements that promote growth and blooming.
Amaryllis blooming
Pro Organic Lawn Fertilizer by Shin Nong, 100% Organic, OMRI Listed, 22lb
The Pro Organic Lawn Fertilizer by Shin Nong is a 100% organic formula with a star rating of 5 out of 5. It is also OMRI Listed and weighs 22-lbs.
This fertilizer brings together the most natural ingredients that are all organic, vegan, and cruelty-free.
Unlike most fertilizers, the Pro Organic Lawn Fertilizer by the Shin Nong manufacturers is odorless and is recommended by the OMRI.
Its no odor feature makes it a feasible choice for those gardeners who are allergic to or dislike smells.
The Pro Organic Lawn Fertilizer has constituents that include unique microorganisms that maximize breakdown activity and make it considerably easy for the Amaryllis plant to take up food.
Moreover, it also gives a helping hand to the plant’s roots, helping them stay hydrated and firmer.
A plant with healthy roots is least likely to become nutrient deficient and fights off infections more readily.
The fertilizer also aids the roots in improving the plant’s overall structure, absorbing minerals and water efficiently, and retaining moisture for longer.
The Pro Organic Lawn Fertilizer also boosts the Amaryllis plant’s immunity and makes it relatively more resistant to infections, such as dew and spider mites, and protects it against dangerous insects and drought conditions.
The Pro Organic Lawn Fertilizer is not only good for the plants but is also environmentally friendly and safe for pets and children.
Its great composition makes it appropriate for most plants and their varieties.
Summary:
- 100% Organic and 100% Vegan
- No Odor; safe for smell-allergic gardeners
- OMRI Listed for Certified Organic Use
- Persistent use leads to excellent results in all gardens
- Also has microorganism activity that breaks down nutrients
- Develops roots become bigger and stronger
- Improves the overall structure of the Amaryllis plant
- Enhances roots’ ability to retain water and required nutrients
- Pro Organic in nature
- Improves the soil texture and consistency
- It helps the plant resist various insects, diseases, and drought (during the growing season)
- Recommended for most plants
- No-Burn pledge
- Safe for children, pets, and the environment
if you are looking for an all-in-one fertilizer, the Pro Organic Lawn Fertilizer by Shin Nong is your answer.
There are more than 600 Amaryllis hybrid cultivars
Sun Bulb Company 8305 Better Gro Orchid Plus Bloom Booster Fertilizer, 16-Ounce
With an excellent rating of 4.7 out of 5, the Sun Bulb Company 8305 Better Gro Orchid Plus Bloom Booster Fertilizer shows stellar results just after few weeks of use.
It combines all the necessary minerals required for optimal growth; however, it contains phosphorous in the greatest quantity.
Phosphorous does not only form an important part of genetics and sugar transfer, but is also involved in flowering and foliage development.
The Amaryllis plant produces ample blooms, all vibrant, long-lasting, and gorgeous when the Sun Bulb Company feed is added into its soils.
The fertilizer also enhances and brightens the bloom colors and maximizes the size of the flowers.
Urea, though necessary for plants, can occasionally become toxic.
The Sun Bulb Company fertilizer contains little to no urea nitrogen but still manages to fully satisfy the Amaryllis plant’s needs.
It is a professionally formulated fertilizer that helps the plant grow better, fight disease more efficiently, and significantly lowers the probability of nutrient depletion.
It contains a great mix of all minerals that help the plant live longer and maintain healthy and lush vines.
Like other feeds, it should ideally be applied over wet soil so that the Sun Bulb Company fertilizer is fully absorbed through the roots.
It comes in a 16-ounce packaging which is sufficient for keeping your plant fed for weeks.
Summary:
- It contains a high content of phosphorus which encourages flowering, enhances flower color, and maximizes the bloom size
- Provides the precise mix of essential elements and nutrients an Amaryllis plant may need to produce vibrant, beautiful, and long-lasting blooms.
- No urea nitrogen added
- Professionally formulated fertilizer
- 16-ounces quantity
For the gardeners on the hunt for a fertilizer that is more focused on producing bright and attractive blooms, the Sun Bulb Company 8305 Better Gro Orchid Plus Bloom Booster Fertilizer is a great choice.
Amaryllis Fertilizer Buying Guide
Knowing your plant and its details thoroughly is essential before bringing home a fertilizer.
Some plants like all minerals (NPK) in an equal quantity, while others like a greater content of one only.
The latter is the case with most of the flowering species, such as Amaryllis, that need phosphorous in an abundant amount to produce their characteristic blooms.
An ideal fertilizer is one that offers nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium in the required amount and simultaneously strengthens the plant’s roots.
Fertilizers for Amaryllis should be low in nitrogen (N)
The Winner
Most fertilizers that are now available in the market offer all the important minerals and other components to plants.
However, some lack the property of being environment friendly, while others do not contain all the components in the right quantity.
The Pro Organic Lawn Fertilizer by Shin Nong is the one fertilizer that has it all. Its formula is 100% organic and non-toxic to mother nature.
Its amazing features, such as no odor, OMRI recommendation, certified use, and microorganism activity set it apart from other fertilizers.
It strengthens the Amaryllis plant’s roots which make or break things for the plant. Improved defense, better absorbing efficiency, and greater ability to retain moisture and nutrients help the plant reach its maximum potential in terms of growth as well as blooming.
The composition of the Pro Organic Lawn Fertilizer is also safe for children as well as pets.
It does not only improve the plant’s overall growth pattern but also makes the soil more fertile and maintains the optimum pH of 6.5-ideal for the Amaryllis plant.
Benefits of Using the Right Fertilizer
Adding in the right fertilizer is imperative for the following reasons:
Healthy Development
Once the Amaryllis bulb is planted, it gradually forms foliage; this is the right time to fertilize your plant.
Adding feed before you notice foliage can have detrimental effects on the plant, such as toxicity.
You can either choose a slow-release granulated fertilizer or a liquid fertilizer.
In both cases, please ensure that you get a fertilizer with the correct NPK ratio; one that is balanced and appropriate.
The slow-release fertilizers are mostly applied every three to four months, while a liquid fertilizer is used more frequently, two to four times a month, with evenly spaced intervals.
Establish a proper fertilizer regimen and make sure your plant easily adapts to it.
Moreover, place the plant in its desired level of light. For Amaryllis, full sun is the way to go and ample watering through growing seasons of summer and spring.
You can also follow the instructions mentioned on the packaging for feeding your plant.
Enhanced Blooming
After the dormancy season, bring the Amaryllis plant outdoors, where there is plenty of moisture and sunshine.
Allow the older leaves to fall off and help the plant develop newer and healthier foliage.
When you see a good amount of leaves, start fertilizing with a low-nitrogen feed, for instance, a 4-10-10 or 5-10-10.
The low nitrogen content decreases the possibility of nutrient toxicity, and the other components help the plant flourish and bloom.
Phosphorous primarily plays a key role when it comes to blooming and helps the Amaryllis plant form vibrant and bright flowers.
Stronger Immunity
An adult plant with a weak defense system is as vulnerable to disease and infection as a baby plant.
Various components of the fertilizer help strengthen the plant’s immune system.
Particularly outdoors, the plant is exposed to various insects and bugs at all times. Adding a fertilizer that protects it against unwanted harmful organisms is essential for optimal growth.
Conclusion
Proper fertilization is the key to maintaining a plant’s health and beauty.
This tropical plant has such captivating beauty that it is often presented as a gift to loved ones on occasions such as Christmas.
The best fertilizer for the Amaryllis is one that has all essential components in the right amount, maintains the plant’s soil pH, strengthens its roots, and helps it achieve its greatest potential.
Although its growing seasons are summer and spring, it can flourish all year round and even be enticed to bloom again.
All it needs is good quality feed, sunlight, and plenty of love.
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.
Last update on 2024-12-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API