The beautiful amaryllis is undoubtedly one of the most rewarding flower bulbs to grow.
Easy to care for, and visually stunning, they are known for their characteristic tall stems and striking trumpet-like flowers.
The good news is that these beauties are also exceptionally simple to nurture and maintain, no matter whether you are an amateur plant parent or a well-versed expert.
They can live both indoors and outside, but various factors will impact their growth and size.
Environmental influences will also play a role in determining how tall your amaryllis will grow.
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How tall do amaryllis get?
The simple answer is that amaryllis can grow anywhere from 12 inches to 36 inches (30cm to 90cm), depending on their growing conditions. Their height can depend on the type, quality, and size of the bulb, and any forcing conditions applied to the plant.
Growing conditions that influence how tall amaryllis get
Although it goes without saying, optimum growing conditions will make for a happy plant, and the happier the plant, the more it will tend towards great heights.
Amaryllis bulbs should be planted in 6 – 8-inch (15 – 20-centimeter) pots, with one-third of the pointed end remaining visible.
When selecting potting soil, be mindful to choose a quality product with good drainage, as this will give your bulbs a healthy start in life.
Whether inside or outdoors, amaryllis enjoys bright, indirect sunlight. The light they receive will have a direct influence on their growth, as will regular watering.
Amaryllis tend to bloom within six to eight weeks of planting.
As such, the most striking feature amaryllis has is its thick, upright stalks. An amaryllis bulb can have up to 3 stalks at any given time.
Generally, the stalk begins to appear before any leaves do. Each stalk, in turn, can produce up to four blooms.
If amaryllis is grown in poor light or is subjected to prolonged periods of dry soil, the stalk may suffer, leading to a top-heavy plant.
Without proper care measures, your amaryllis could then be in danger of snapped stems or less-than-lovely blooms.
Factors affecting Amaryllis’ height
There are innumerable varieties of amaryllis to choose from, and the type of plant you select will likely have its own height characteristics.
Most amaryllis are easy to propagate and will retain the expected height they are known for.
Rarer cultivars, such as dwarf-type amaryllis, are harder to come by but are specifically selected for their shorter appearance.
Irrespective of the cultivar you select, make sure to inspect bulbs for general health. Avoid bulbs that seem rotten or decayed.
The size of your amaryllis plants will also depend on the size of the bulbs themselves.
Bulbs are valuable supply vessels for the energy a plant needs to thrive. Smaller bulbs may produce only a single stem, whereas bigger bulbs may produce up to three stems, each with several blooms.
The strength of the stem is also relative to the bulb size. The larger the amaryllis bulb, the higher the chances you’ll see strong, thick stems.
Managing the height of your Amaryllis: Nifty tips
Growth conditions and bulb selection may impact amaryllis height, but it is difficult to say with any certainty whether there is a sure-fire way to control or predict it.
Experiments into pre-plan bulb soaks are being conducted. However, results are not conclusive as yet. Therefore, it is better to simply manage and protect their stems.
If you have a stem that requires support, as it is in danger of snapping or toppling, you can employ a technique called staking.
Tying your stalks to a natural product, such as bamboo, provides gentle support for amaryllis stems.
Plastic or metal products specifically designed for the purpose of staking are also a viable option. Just be careful not to hurt the bulbs!
Frequently Asked Questions about How tall Amaryllis Get
Should I fertilize my amaryllis?
It is not necessary to fertilize your amaryllis, as the bulb itself already contains all the goodness your plant needs to grow. However, should you wish to keep your amaryllis blooming throughout the year, fertilizer can be beneficial.
How many stalks does amaryllis have?
There is no way to guess how many stalks amaryllis will have. However, a bigger bulb and excellent growing conditions will likely result in a great number of stems per bulb. Outside of blooming season, it is also good to store your bulbs carefully, in a warm, dry space.
Why is my amaryllis stem bending?
Amaryllis can become top-heavy, and unable to support its big, vivacious blooms. This may be a result of less-than-ideal growing conditions, such as inconsistent light and water. To protect your plant, incorporate a support technique like staking.
Conclusion
The amaryllis is a unique and rewarding addition to any home or garden. With proper care, their beautiful, giant blooms will appear every year.
If their tall stems are not your taste, a pervasive new trend is to use the striking amaryllis as a cut flower, in a beautiful vase or arrangement.
Either way, there is no doubt that these gorgeous plants will delight, wherever you may find 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.