Add an amaryllis to your December décor

I cannot walk into a nursery or florist at this time of year without taking home a plant or two. Recently, I popped into a local flower shop to buy some potting soil and a little succulent for a pot I had just purchased and I walked out with an amaryllis. I’m sure within the next week or two I will also be the proud new owner of a poinsettia and perhaps some paperwhites. I feel like holiday blooms are festive necessities like the retro decorations I’ve had since I was a kid!

One of these days I’ll plan ahead enough to order an amaryllis bulb online! These beauties are pretty gorgeous!

In the past, I’ve grown my amaryllis from a bulb (I like to choose a different type every year), but this year, because I’m a little behind, I opted for a plant that was already potted and just about to bloom.

If you happen to have a bulb that you’re about to plant, here are a few amaryllis-growing tips that I shared in one of last December’s newsletters:

Soak the bulb’s roots in lukewarm water for a few hours.
Plant the bulb in a container that’s only an inch or so larger than the bulb itself, using a lightweight potting soil. When planted, the top third of the bulb should remain above the soil.
Place the pot in a warm spot in direct light, and only water it when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Once the bud and leaves appear, begin to water it more thoroughly. You’ll be graced with amaryllis flowers of your own just a few weeks after planting.