Photo: CaracalShanCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Amaryllis Plant Care
Hippeastrum puniceum (Lam.) Voss
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's long, strap-like leaves are a vibrant green and complement its striking red trumpet-shaped flowers. Originating from South America, Hippeastrum puniceum is highly sought after by collectors for its showy blooms and unique foliage, making it a colorful addition to any indoor garden.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Amaryllis?
Water Amaryllis every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–75°F (18–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Amaryllis Native To?
What Is the Amaryllis?
Amaryllis (Hippeastrum puniceum) belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family within the Hippeastrum genus. Amaryllis is native to tropical regions of South America. Amaryllis is also known as Scarlet Amaryllis, Fire Lily.
Amaryllis displays an upright, clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Amaryllis produces large, showy trumpet-shaped flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Amaryllis?
Hippeastrum puniceum requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Amaryllis Need?
Amaryllis thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Amaryllis in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Amaryllis Prefer?
Hippeastrum puniceum grows best at temperatures of 65–75°F. Amaryllis prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
65–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Amaryllis?
Well-draining, rich potting mix with added perlite for aeration. Good drainage is essential for Amaryllis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Amaryllis?
Feed Amaryllis every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Amaryllis?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Amaryllis?
Amaryllis can be propagated through offsets, bulb scales, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to aulicum amaryllis plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Amaryllis Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Amaryllis?
Amaryllis is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, bulb mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Amaryllis Need?
Amaryllis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Amaryllis is native to tropical regions of South America.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Amaryllis is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Hippeastrum genus — compare its care with other Hippeastrum species on PlantoScan.
Hippeastrum is part of the Amaryllidaceae plant family — browse all Amaryllidaceae genera and species.
Amaryllis thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Hippeastrum Species
Other Hippeastrum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Hippeastrum puniceum (Lam.) Voss, family Amaryllidaceae (first published in Vilm. Blumengärtn. ed. 3 , 1: 1033 (1895)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Amaryllis is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: CaracalShan, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8a – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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