How to Plant and Care for Hippeastrum (Amaryllis) Bulbs
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Hippeastrum, commonly known as Amaryllis, is one of the most rewarding flowering bulbs you can grow at home. With its large, trumpet-shaped blooms and vibrant colours, it creates an impressive display in pots, containers, or garden beds — all with minimal effort.
This guide will help you handle your bulbs correctly upon arrival and care for them properly to maximise survival and flowering success.
On Arrival: What to Do with Your Bulbs
Our Hippeastrum bulbs are supplied dormant. This is completely normal.
When you receive your bulbs:
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The bulbs may appear dry — this is expected
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Plant them as soon as possible
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If short-term storage is required, keep them in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location
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Do not soak, refrigerate, or store bulbs in sealed plastic bags
Correct handling at this stage greatly improves establishment and flowering performance.
When to Plant Hippeastrum Bulbs
In most parts of Australia, Hippeastrum bulbs can be planted from autumn through spring, once extreme heat or frost has passed.
Hippeastrums can also be grown indoors to flower, then moved outdoors after blooming to complete their natural growth cycle, allowing you to enjoy flowers year after year.
Choosing the Right Location
Hippeastrums are adaptable and perform well in both containers and garden beds.
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Light: Bright light or part sun is ideal
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Soil: Free-draining soil is essential
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Use a quality general-purpose or bulb potting mix
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Avoid heavy clay soils or areas that remain wet for long periods
Good drainage is the single most important factor for healthy bulbs.
How to Plant Hippeastrum Bulbs
Follow these simple steps for best results:
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Choose a pot with drainage holes or a well-drained garden position
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Fill with potting mix or prepared soil
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Position the bulb with the roots down and growing point up
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Plant so that the top one-third of the bulb remains above the soil surface
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Firm the soil gently around the bulb
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Water thoroughly after planting
Watering and Feeding
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Water lightly at first, keeping soil just moist
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During active growth, water only when the soil has dried slightly
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Avoid overwatering, as bulbs dislike sitting in wet soil
Once leaves appear, apply a diluted liquid fertiliser every few weeks. Continue feeding after flowering to help the bulb store energy for next season.
After Flowering Care
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Remove spent flowers to keep the plant tidy
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Do not cut off the leaves — they are essential for bulb recovery
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Allow foliage to die back naturally
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Reduce watering as the plant enters dormancy during winter
With proper after-flowering care, Hippeastrums will rebloom reliably year after year.
Safety Information
⚠ Caution
Hippeastrum bulbs and plant parts are harmful if eaten and may cause skin or eye irritation.
Keep away from children and pets.
A Final Note
Images used on our website are for reference only and usually show mature plants. Supplied bulbs may be dormant or juvenile and will develop with time and proper care.
If you have any questions about growing Hippeastrums, feel free to contact us or explore more planting guides on our website.
Happy gardening!