Growing Advice

Welcome to our comprehensive guide for growing beautiful Hippeastrum bulbs. Follow these instructions to ensure your bulbs thrive and produce stunning blooms season after season.

Planting in Pots:

Choose a pot that is 5–7cm wider than the bulb diameter. Hippeastrums prefer a snug fit rather than an oversized pot. Squat pots work really well.

Use a premium, well-draining potting mix. Good drainage and aeration is essential to prevent root rot. We like to use a 50/50 mix of perlite and premium potting media.

Add in your choice of slow release fertilizer. We recommend Osmocote All Purpose.

Plant the bulb with the top third sitting above the soil surface. Do not bury the entire bulb.

Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the mix around the roots.

Place your pot in a sunny spot. Try to avoid direct, hot afternoon sun as this can scorch the leaves.

Once active growth begins, keep the soil lightly moist but never waterlogged.

Planting in the ground:

Select a well-drained position. Hippeastrums dislike wet feet and will rot in heavy, waterlogged soil.

Choose a spot with morning sun, or bright light. Avoid harsh western sun if you can.

Soil Preparation
Improve drainage before planting. If you have clay soil, mix in compost and coarse sand or plant in a slightly raised mound.

Good drainage is the key to success..

Space bulbs 20–30cm apart to allow for growth and offsets.

Water sparingly until new growth appears.

Once active growth begins, keep the soil lightly moist but never waterlogged.

Feeding:

Apply a liquid fertiliser every 2–3 weeks during active growth.

Use a balanced fertiliser or one formulated for flowering bulbs to support strong blooms and bulb development.

After Flowering Care:

You can trim the flowers to keep them tidy but leave the flower stalk in place until it naturally withers.

Continue watering and feeding after flowering to help the bulb store energy for next season.

Allow the foliage to die back naturally — this is an important part of the bulb’s life cycle.

Tips for Success:

Talk kindly to your plants (trust me, it works)

Liquid feed often when actively growing.

If they aren't flowering, give them more sun or try a new spot.

Repot every 2–3 years, or when the bulbs become overcrowded in the ground.

Stake tall flower stems if required to prevent bending.

If you have any questions about your Hippeastrum varieties, please don’t hesitate to get in touch — we’re always happy to help.