amaryllis.jpgQ: I received an Amaryllis bulb as a gift, but I don’t know how to care for it or get it to bloom.

A: You are fortunate as amaryllis is one of the most popular winter or spring indoor plants. With proper care you can enjoy its large lily-like flowers for many years.

Amaryllis plants are from the tropics and do not require a cold period to bloom. In fact, freezing and over watering are the two most common causes of bulb death.

To establish your amaryllis plant, select a pot having a diameter about 2 inches greater than the bulb. Most bulbs fit nicely into 6 to 8 inch pots which have drainage holes in their base. For some reason, amaryllis plants do better when they are pot bound. (more…)