The stunning amaryllis, scientifically known as Hippeastrum and belonging to the family Amaryllidaceae, is relatively rare in Pakistan. It is also among the few flowers that are grown from bulbs imported from its native regions in South and Central America.

While the amaryllis can be grown both indoors and outdoors, depending on the climate and time of the year, it is most commonly enjoyed indoors as a potted plant. Growers must adhere to certain gardening basics when growing amaryllis from bulbs, particularly when the bulb is planted indoors.

Depending on the variety and size of the bulb, the period from sprouting to bloom may take anywhere from a few months to two to three years. However, gardeners can encourage faster sprouting by using hydrogen peroxide, an oxygen supplement, at six percent concentration. This is a common practice among amaryllis growers globally.

To have hydrogen peroxide at six percent concentration, simply add a spoonful of hydrogen peroxide to one litre of water. However, it is better to prepare the solution according to the concentration recommended on the product label.

Rarely seen in Pakistani gardens, the amaryllis combines beauty with ease of cultivation. Following a few simple techniques can help ensure the plant’s healthy growth…

Once you have the solution, soak the amaryllis bulbs in it for two to three hours, as it will speed up sprouting. It also improves the growth of leaves and spread of roots which, in turn, improves the plant’s ability to absorb oxygen and other nutrients.

Immersing the bulbs in hydrogen peroxide also protects the plant from fungal diseases, especially red blotch disease and root rot. The solution also destroys bacteria, moulds and fungal spores. The hydrogen peroxide solution is useful in treating infected amaryllis bulbs and helps prevent decay from spreading. After removing the bulbs from the hydrogen peroxide solution, keep them aside for an hour before planting them.

For planting an amaryllis bulb, use nursery soil or bhal mitti, which is a potting mixture containing about 60 percent garden soil. Ensure that the soil is free of pebbles and stones. The potting container should be big enough so that the bulb has at least two to three inches of empty space around its circumference. Usually, the bulb is planted in eight-inch pots before being shifted to a bigger container as the need arises.

When planting garlic clove-shaped bulbs, smaller four-inch pots can also be used. When planting the bulb, the pointed edge faces skywards and the base lies downwards, from where the roots emerge. The roots of the amaryllis occupy less space compared to other flowering plants. The plant typically grows between one to three feet tall.

When planted, only the upper inch of the bulb or the area from where the shoots emerge should be visible. The rest of the bulb should be under the soil. After planting the bulb, sprinkle compost on the soil to improve fertility.

In the initial stage and especially during harsh summers and heat waves, the potted bulb should be protected from direct sunlight. However, the pot should have access to indirect, bright light.

The pot should be watered generously at the time of planting the bulb, but it should be adequately drained so that water does not accumulate on the surface. The regular watering schedule should follow a plan where the soil has dried before watering. After watering, the soil surface should be moist, but not wet. In that phase, the pot should be kept under shade.

As new shoots emerge from the bulb, gradually increase sunlight exposure to three hours, either in the early morning or through filtered sunlight. Many gardeners cover their pots with a green net to protect the plants from harsh sunlight and bird attacks.

The amaryllis plant is susceptible to attacks from amaryllis worms, aphids, mealy bugs and spider mites. Damage caused by these pests is often visible in the form of patches or patterns. Spraying the plant, especially the underside of the leaves, with a neem oil solution after every two to three weeks helps ward off pest attacks.

Please send your queries and emails to doctree101@hotmail.com. The writer is a physician and a host for the YouTube channel ‘DocTree Gardening’ promoting organic kitchen gardening

Published in Dawn, EOS, June 14th, 2026