If you’re bringing an amaryllis bulb into bloom, you’re probably wondering how tall do amaryllis grow. The maximum height of blooms is a key part of their dramatic display. These stunning flowers are famous for their towering stalks and large, trumpet-shaped blooms. Understanding their potential size helps you choose the right spot in your home and ensures they have the support they need.
An amaryllis stalk typically grows between 18 to 24 inches tall. However, with ideal care, some varieties can reach an impressive 36 inches. The height is influenced by the bulb size, the specific variety, and the growing conditions you provide. Let’s look at what determines how tall your amaryllis will get and how to manage its growth for a spectacular show.
How Tall Do Amaryllis Grow – Maximum Height of Blooms
This range of 18 to 36 inches is the general rule. The flower stalk emerges first, shooting up rapidly, sometimes growing an inch per day. After the stalk has reached most of its height, the large flower buds will begin to swell and open. The leaves usually start to appear alongside or just after the blooming period.
What Factors Influence Amaryllis Height?
Several key elements determine whether your amaryllis will be a modest 18 inches or a majestic three-foot centerpiece. Paying attention to these can help you predict and even influence the outcome.
- Bulb Size: This is the most significant factor. Larger, healthier bulbs packed with more energy produce taller, stronger stalks with more flowers. A bulb with a circumference of 34+ cm will often produce two or even three stalks.
- Variety: Different amaryllis (Hippeastrum) cultivars have different genetic potentials. Some are naturally more compact, while others are bred for height.
- Light: Once the shoot appears, bright, indirect light is crucial. Insufficient light causes the stalk to stretch weakly and become leggy as it searches for the sun, which can lead to flopping.
- Temperature: Cooler temperatures (around 65-68°F) promote slower, sturdier growth. Excessively warm rooms cause rapid, spindly growth that can’t support the heavy blooms.
- Watering and Fertilization: Consistent watering after growth starts and a light feeding with a balanced liquid fertilizer once the stalk is a few inches tall supports healthy development.
Popular Varieties and Their Typical Heights
Knowing the tendencies of your specific amaryllis can set your expectations. Here’s a quick guide to some common types:
- ‘Apple Blossom’: A classic, often reaching 20-24 inches with soft pink and white stripes.
- ‘Red Lion’ Another favorite, known for its deep red blooms and sturdy 18-22 inch stalks.
- ‘Minerva’: Striking red with a white star, typically growing to about 20 inches.
- ‘Double Dream’: A gorgeous double-flowered variety that can reach 20-24 inches.
- ‘Exotic Star’: A stunning, spidery type with narrow petals, often growing quite tall at 24-30 inches.
- ‘Mont Blanc’: A pure white variety that can produce very tall, elegant stalks, sometimes exceeding 30 inches.
Step-by-Step Guide to Supporting Tall Blooms
A tall amaryllis is a goal, but a flopping one is a problem. Here’s how to ensure your blooms stand tall and proud.
1. Choose the Right Pot and Planting Method
Select a pot that is only about 1-2 inches wider than the bulb. A pot that’s too large retains excess moisture and doesn’t provide good anchorage. Plant the bulb with the top third to half above the soil line. This helps prevent rot and provides stability.
2. Manage Light and Temperature from the Start
When you first pot the bulb, place it in a cool, dim spot to encourage root growth. Once the green shoot is visible (about 1-2 inches tall), move it to a bright window with indirect light. Avoid hot, direct sun which can scorch it. Keep it in that cooler temperature range (65-68°F) to slow growth slightly and build a stronger stalk.
3. Rotate the Pot Regularly
Plants grow toward the light. If you don’t rotate the pot, the stalk will lean heavily to one side. Give the pot a quarter turn every day or two to encourage straight, upright growth.
4. Stake Early and Gently
Don’t wait for the stalk to fall over. Insert a slim, sturdy stake into the pot edge when the stalk is about 8-10 inches tall. Use soft plant ties or even twist-ties looped loosely in a figure-eight between the stake and stalk. As the stalk grows, adjust the tie higher up.
5. Water Carefully
Water the soil when the top inch feels dry, avoiding the neck of the bulb. Overwatering leads to weak growth and potential rot, while underwatering stresses the plant. Consistent moisture is the key.
What to Do If Your Amaryllis Gets Too Tall and Leggy
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, an amaryllis grows too fast and becomes weak. Don’t worry, it’s not to late to fix it.
- Add Support Immediately: Gently stake the stalk and tie it securely. You may need a taller stake than usual.
- Move to a Cooler, Brighter Spot: If possible, lower the temperature and increase light exposure to halt further weak stretching.
- Consider a Bloom Booster: A fertilizer higher in potassium (the third number on the label) can sometimes help strengthen plant cells.
Remember, the stalk will not shrink or shorten. Your goal is to support it for the rest of its bloom cycle and apply these lessons to the next bulb.
Post-Bloom Care for Future Height
To ensure your amaryllis bulb stores enough energy to produce tall blooms again next year, post-bloom care is essential. After the flowers fade, cut off the stalk but leave the leaves. They are the solar panels for the bulb.
- Keep the plant in bright light and water regularly.
- Fertilize monthly with a balanced houseplant fertilizer through spring and summer.
- In late summer, stop watering and let the leaves die back as the bulb enters dormancy.
- Store the dormant bulb in a cool, dark place for 6-8 weeks before restarting the cycle. A well-rested, plump bulb is your ticket to maximum height next season.
FAQ: Your Amaryllis Height Questions Answered
How tall can the biggest amaryllis get?
Under perfect conditions, the tallest amaryllis varieties, like some trumpet or cybister types, can reach up to 36 inches (3 feet) in height. This is less common in standard home environments but achievable in ideal greenhouse settings.
Why is my amaryllis stalk so short?
A very short stalk is often due to the bulb being prematurely forced into bloom without adequate root development, a very warm growing temperature that rushed flowering, or it could simply be a genetic trait of a more compact variety.
Do smaller bulbs produce shorter flowers?
Yes, generally. Smaller bulbs have less stored energy, so they tend to produce single, shorter stalks with fewer or smaller blooms. Always choose the largest, firmest bulb you can find for the most impressive display.
Can I cut the stalk if it’s too tall?
It’s not recommended to cut the living flower stalk, as this can introduce disease and shock the plant. It’s always better to support it. You can cut it after the blooms have faded.
How fast does an amaryllis stalk grow?
Growth rate varies, but once active growth begins, you can often see noticeable change daily. In warm conditions, a stalk can grow an inch or more per day during its peak growth phase.
Growing a tall, majestic amaryllis is a rewarding experience. By selecting a large bulb, providing bright indirect light, keeping it cool, and offering early support, you can enjoy those magnificent blooms at their full, impressive height. With proper care after blooming, you can look forward to an even better show next year.