Amaryllis is native to the central and southern parts of America. Although many countries have developed their own varieties of these gorgeous flowering plants, the South American variant (Hippeastrum x hybridum) is the most widely cultivated.
Many countries, however, have developed different types of these lovely flowering plants. Variants of amaryllis include double blooming plants, and a wide variety of colors have become common.
Blossoms range in diameter from four to ten inches and are set on tall stalks, and the leaves are long, thin, and drape downward.
Often tossed once the blooms are spent, cultivating these lovely, flowering plants can add to your garden and décor.
Amaryllis does best when transplanted, divided, and then replanted in the fall. Here are a few simple steps that will help when transplanting amaryllis.
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How to Transplant Amaryllis Bulbs
To transplant amaryllis bulbs, you need to define the area where you’re planting them first. Then, gently lift them from the ground using a garden fork or spade, making sure to shake the dirt off the bulbs. Gently rinse the bulbs and then replant them in the designated area.
Proper Way of Transplanting Amaryllis Bulbs
Once the leaves have browned in the fall and new growth is beginning to show from the center of the bulb, it is time to transplant.
Before you begin digging away at your amaryllis bulbs, define the area they are lying in if they are in your outdoor garden beds.
You then need to lift the plant from the ground with a spade or garden fork and shake the bulbs free of dirt.
Potted amaryllis needs to be treated the same way when preparing the bulbs for transplanting to a new pot.
Once free of dirt, you can gently rinse the bulbs to see what you have. Now separate the clump into individual bulbs and remove any leaves or stalk that remains.
For bulb sections that will not separate freely, use a sharp, clean knife and cut the bulbs apart.
Inspect each bulb for mushiness or signs of insects and discard any affected bulbs. You are now ready to replant or store your amaryllis.
When to Transplant Amaryllis
Amaryllis does better when transplanted in the fall of the year, and their bulbs should be divided every three years. This rule applies to bulbs in the ground or those planted in pots.
Once you have freed the bulbs from the ground or the pot they are in, you will need to replant the bulbs right away or store them.
Although amaryllis does not require annual transplanting, overcrowding of your bulbs can affect the plants’ health and produce fewer flowers.
So, if their flower production has diminished, help them stay alive and healthy by transplanting.
The result of transplanting your amaryllis will be a profusion of new blooms in the spring.
The added benefit will be new bulbs for you to plant, meaning more flowers. Yay! One can never have too many flowers.
Where Best to Plant Amaryllis
Your bulbs can be transplanted outdoors in pots or directly into the ground in growth zones 8-11.
They need to be planted in full sun, where they will thrive, or in partial shade, where they will do OK but may not bloom as prolifically.
Better read up about plant light level needs if you’re not too sure what these terms mean.
It is warm enough in USDA zones 9-11 for amaryllis to grow outdoors year-round. In areas prone to frost, you can cover your plants with mulch for overwintering.
When grown outdoors in your garden, the bulbs tend to colonize and produce big clumps.
For those of you in colder climes, the best way to protect your amaryllis is to dig up your outdoor bulbs in the fall and plant them in pots or store them.
For potted amaryllis that you keep outside in warmer months, move them indoors. Then trim the bloom stalk, place them in the sunshine, and give them water and fertilizer.
Your potted amaryllis will be ready to be set outdoors come spring.
When you do set them out, make sure that any threat of frost is gone, and do not put them in direct sunlight right away.
Instead, give the tender plants a few days to acclimate by starting them in the shade, then move them into more sunshine after a few days.
How to Plant Transplanted Amaryllis
Amaryllis plants like crowded feet, unlike most plants, so place the transplanted bulbs in groups of three when planting. This planting tip applies to bulbs going into pots or your garden.
In well-drained soil, plant the bulb neck deep. Before planting, amend the earth with a good fertilizer.
When growing your plants outside, till the area you wish to produce your amaryllis and amend with fertilizer. This measure gives plants a better chance to set their roots.
When planting in pots, use good potting soil, mix and fertilize as needed. If you follow these tips, you’ll have enough amaryllis to grow and give your friends.
When will Amaryllis Flower Again: The Answer
After transplanting and replanting your bulbs, you should have new flowers in the spring. That is unless you take a few potted bulbs and you’re going to force them to bloom.
Amaryllis bulbs can be forced to bloom early, which will give you flowers during the winter months.
In addition, the extra bulbs that you will acquire by transplanting your amaryllis will provide you with spare bulbs with which to experiment.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Transplant Amaryllis
What do I do with extra amaryllis bulbs?
When you are transplanting bulbs, you will find that they have multiplied during their growth period. So plant them in new pots or another area of your garden. You may also find that you have more bulbs than you want to grow right now.
How can I store extra amaryllis bulbs?
Your bulbs can be stored in loose peat moss, sawdust, or a paper bag and placed in a cool, dark location. You can also place pots with bulbs still in them in a dark, cool place.
Is transplanting amaryllis beneficial?
As noted above, amaryllis like crowded feet. If they are too crowded, though, they will not produce as many blooms. So if you notice that they are not blooming as proficiently, it’s time to transplant.
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.