Amaryllis
Photo: JJ Harrison (https://www.jjharrison.com.au/) · CC BY-SA 3.0
houseplantbeginneroffset pupdivision

How to Propagate Amaryllis

Hippeastrum spp.

Methods Offsets (bulblets), division
Difficulty Beginner
Best season Fall, after dormancy
Time to root 2–4 weeks
Group Houseplant

Amaryllis bulbs produce small offset bulbs (bulblets) around the base over time. Wait until a bulblet is at least a third the size of the parent bulb before separating it, for the best chance of it flowering in coming years.

Offsets (bulblets)

  1. During repotting, gently separate bulblets that have formed at the base.
  2. Pot each in well-draining mix, with the top third of the bulb exposed above the soil.
  3. Keep lightly moist.

When to propagate

Fall, when repotting after the bulb’s dormant resting period.

Common problems

Bulblet didn’t flower for a couple of years. Normal — young bulblets often need to build up size and stored energy before they’re ready to bloom.

Questions people ask

Why isn’t my amaryllis reblooming? Often related to insufficient rest period or light after the previous bloom, a care question separate from propagating the bulblets themselves.

Is it toxic? Yes, the bulb especially — toxic if eaten by pets or people. Keep bulbs and bulblets out of reach while dividing.

Similar plants: Daffodil, Tulip, Lily