Growing an amaryllis bulb in water is a lovely and surprisingly simple way to grow this bulb indoors. You do not need potting soil, the roots stay visible and the bulb looks even more decorative in a glass vase. If you’re looking for different varieties to start with, take a look at our amaryllis bollen. The main rule is simple: do not leave the entire bulb sitting in water. Only the roots or the base of the bulb should just touch the water. That helps prevent rot and gives the bulb a much better start.
Not sure whether an amaryllis bulb needs water, or wondering if a bulb can grow without soil? That depends on the type of bulb and how you place it. Below, you can read step by step how to place a regular amaryllis bulb in a glass vase, including care tips (amaryllis verzorgen) and what the difference is between an amaryllis bulb without water and a waxed bulb.
How to grow an amaryllis safely over water
Choose a firm bulb and a suitable vase
If possible, use a firm, healthy amaryllis bulb with no soft spots. For growing in water, a narrow glass vase, a bulb vase or another vase with a narrow neck works very well. The idea is that the bulb stays suspended or rests above the water, while the roots can grow downwards. A vase that is too wide gives less support, so the bulb is more likely to lean or tip once the flower stem becomes heavier.
Let only the base touch the water
Fill the vase with clean water and place the bulb so that only the roots or the base just reach the water. Submerging the whole bulb is exactly what you should not do. If you do, the bulb stays too wet and the risk of mould and rot quickly increases. Not seeing long roots yet? Then it is enough for the base of the bulb to make very light contact with the water, so root growth is encouraged.
Place the vase somewhere bright and stable
An amaryllis grown in water prefers a bright spot indoors. A stable surface is important, because the stem and flowers can become quite heavy. So do not place the vase somewhere it can easily be knocked. If the bulb gets light mainly from one side, the stem can grow crooked. By turning the vase a quarter turn now and then, the plant will usually grow more upright.
What not to do
It is better not to use an overfilled vase, do not keep the bulb permanently wet and do not add plant food to the water straight away. During this stage, the amaryllis gets enough from the bulb itself. Adding extra feed to still water is more likely to cause cloudy water or build-up than to help the bulb.
Caring for an amaryllis bulb in water
Change the water as soon as it turns cloudy
An amaryllis bulb in water needs the water changed regularly. If the water turns cloudy, smells less fresh or shows discolouration, replace it straight away. At the same time, gently rinse the roots and clean the vase as well. That helps limit bacteria, slimy build-up and early rot. Clear water is not only nicer to look at, but also safer for the bulb.
How to prevent rot and mould
The biggest mistake with an amaryllis in water is too much contact with water. If the bulb itself stays wet, it can become soft. In that case, take the bulb out of the vase, pour away some water and place it back again with a lower water level. Also check whether the vase is clean enough. If the bulb continues to feel soft or you can clearly see mould, recovery is often difficult. So it is important to act quickly.
Preventing algae and green water
If the vase stands in bright sun for a long time, the water can turn green more quickly. That is caused by algae growth. Move the vase to a bright spot without prolonged strong sun on the glass and change the water more often. A clean vase and fresh water really do make a difference here.
Pay attention to support and balance
An amaryllis can become top-heavy in water. Especially with large flowers, it is wise to check in time whether the vase is still stable. A heavier vase often gives more security than a light decorative glass. If the stem grows crooked, turn the vase a little regularly. That helps prevent the plant from leaning further and further to one side.
While it is growing, pay particular attention to these signs:
- cloudy or reddish water - change it straight away
- soft base of the bulb - lower the water level
- green build-up on the glass - clean the vase and reduce strong sun
- crooked growth - turn the vase and place it more securely
In water, without water or waxed?
A lot of confusion comes from the fact that amaryllis are sold or displayed in different ways, for example as kerst amaryllis for indoors. You can grow a regular loose bulb in water, but an amaryllis bulb without water is something different from a waxed bulb. Below you can see the difference at a glance.
| Method | Water needed? | Benefit | Important to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular amaryllis bulb in water | Yes, but only at the roots or base | Decorative and no potting soil needed | Do not leave the bulb under water to prevent rot |
| Amaryllis bulb in a vase without water | Hardly any, only as temporary decoration | Neat and easy to display | For real root growth and flowering, contact with water is usually still needed |
| Waxed amaryllis bulb | No | No care needed during flowering | Do not water it and do not place it in water |
So if you are wondering, does an amaryllis bulb need water? The answer is: a regular loose bulb does if you want to grow it over water in glass, but a waxed amaryllis does not. It gets its energy from the bulb itself and is meant as a ready-made decorative bloomer.
What do you do after flowering?
An amaryllis bulb that has been grown in water cannot go on indefinitely in the same vase after flowering. If you want to keep the bulb and read more about amaryllis overhouden voor volgend jaar, moving it into potting soil is usually the logical next step. Remove the spent flowers and then put the bulb into a pot, so it can continue rooting and produce leaves. Those leaves help the bulb build up reserves again.
It is different with a waxed amaryllis. It is usually meant for one flowering period and is rarely strong enough afterwards for another round. So if you have had a regular amaryllis bulb in water, you have a better chance of doing something with it later than with a waxed bulb.
Frequently asked questions about amaryllis in water
Can I plant an amaryllis bulb without soil?
Yes, you can. A regular amaryllis bulb can root perfectly well in water in a glass vase or bulb vase. Just make sure the whole bulb does not get wet. In this case, without soil does not mean without moisture, but without potting soil.
Does an amaryllis bulb need water?
A loose amaryllis bulb that you want to grow in glass needs a little water at the roots or at the base. The bulb itself should stay as dry as possible. A waxed amaryllis bulb is the exception: you do not water that one.
Can an amaryllis bulb sit in a vase without water?
As decoration, yes, for a while, but for root formation and growth, contact with water is usually needed. So an amaryllis bulb in a vase without water is mainly a styling choice for the short term. If you really want to see results, growing it in water works better.
Should I water a waxed amaryllis bulb?
No. A waxed amaryllis bulb should stay dry. Water can damage the wax layer and does not help the bulb any further. These bulbs are meant to flower on their own stored energy, without a pot and without extra water.
Why does the water turn cloudy or reddish?
This happens more often with an amaryllis bulb in water and is usually a sign that the water needs to be changed. Gently rinse the roots, clean the vase and refill it with fresh water. Do not wait too long, because cloudy water increases the risk of rot and build-up.
Does an amaryllis in water need plant food?
No, while it is growing in water, extra feed is usually not needed. The bulb already contains nutrient reserves. Adding feed to the water often makes care harder, because the water becomes dirty more quickly and the risk of algae or rot can increase.
What should you do with an amaryllis bulb after flowering?
If you want to keep the bulb, take it out of the vase and put it into potting soil. That allows the bulb to form roots and leaves again and become stronger. If you leave it only in water, it usually becomes exhausted more quickly and flowering again becomes harder.