Amaryllis bulbs

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"Amaryllis" are mostly hybrids in genus Hippeastrum. Past the first forced bloom after you buy the bare bulb, they don't grow and bloom well without a big root system. Everything you've read about underpotting is wrong. The bigger the pot the better they grow and the bigger your clump becomes.

They prefer very sandy soil with minimal organic matter and lots of fertilizer during warm weather. Don't plant the bulb deeper than half way. The equator should be above the level of the soil. Too much pressure on the side of the bulb prevents bloom scapes from emerging.

They normally bloom in the spring. You can convince them to bloom at other times by laying the container on its side in bright shade and withholding water for six weeks. Then resume watering. They will bloom in another six weeks.

Most take quite a bit of sun.