Short answer
Amaryllis is both. In most climates it is grown as an indoor plant over winter, when the big trumpet flowers are enjoyed on a windowsill. In mild, frost-free regions it can live outdoors year-round, and in cooler regions many gardeners move the pot outside for the summer and bring it in before frost.
The deciding factor is cold. Amaryllis bulbs are generally not frost tolerant, so where winters freeze, the bulb needs to live in a pot that can come indoors.
Hippeastrum vs “true” amaryllis
The plants sold as amaryllis in autumn and winter are usually Hippeastrum hybrids. The name “amaryllis” is also used for Amaryllis belladonna, a different plant sometimes called naked lady. Garden-center bulbs and the holiday gift kits are almost always Hippeastrum, and that is what this guide covers. If a label gives a botanical name, check which one you have, because their care timing differs.
Growing amaryllis indoors
- Pot: Choose a pot only slightly wider than the bulb, with drainage holes. Many growers leave the top portion of the bulb above the soil surface.
- Light: Bright light, with some direct sun, helps keep the flower stalk sturdy and the leaves healthy after blooming.
- Water: Water sparingly at first, then more regularly once growth appears. Let the top of the soil dry slightly between waterings, and never leave the pot sitting in water, as soggy soil can rot the bulb.
- Temperature: Average room temperatures suit it. Flowers often last longer in a cooler room away from heaters.
Stalks often lean toward the light, so turning the pot regularly helps keep them upright.
Can amaryllis grow outdoors?
Yes, where winters are mild. Sources commonly describe Hippeastrum as suited to roughly the warmest zones (often cited as around zones 8 to 11, depending on the source and variety), so check your local conditions rather than relying on a single number. In cold regions, outdoor amaryllis grown in the ground will not survive freezing, but amaryllis in pots can spend the warm months outside.
Outdoors, choose a spot with bright light and some protection from the hottest afternoon sun and strong wind, and make sure the soil drains well.
Is amaryllis a perennial?
Yes, it is a perennial bulb. With good care it can bloom again year after year. In cold climates, it behaves like a perennial only if you protect it from frost by keeping it in a pot indoors during winter.
Moving outside for summer and back inside
- Wait until the nights are reliably warm and frost is no longer a risk.
- Introduce the pot gradually, starting in shade, because sudden strong sun can scorch leaves.
- Keep watering and feed during the growing season, as the leaves are building energy for next year’s flowers.
- Bring the pot indoors before temperatures drop toward frost in autumn.
Getting it to rebloom
After the flowers fade, cut the flower stalk but leave the leaves in place. Continue watering and feeding while the foliage grows. In autumn, many growers let the bulb rest for several weeks in a cooler, dim spot with little or no water, then resume watering to restart growth. Timing varies by variety and by guide, so follow the instructions that came with your bulb if you have them. Not every bulb flowers again on schedule, and smaller or young bulbs may need another season.
Are amaryllis bulbs poisonous to pets?
Yes. Amaryllis is considered toxic to cats and dogs, and the bulb is generally described as the most concentrated part. It is also considered toxic to people if eaten. Signs of ingestion in pets can include drooling, vomiting and diarrhea, and larger amounts may cause more serious symptoms.
Keep amaryllis out of reach of pets and young children, do not leave loose bulbs or trimmed stalks where they can be chewed, and wash your hands after handling the bulb, since sap can irritate skin for some people. If you think a pet or child has eaten any part of it, contact a veterinarian, poison control center or doctor straight away rather than waiting for symptoms.
Related bulbs and seasonal plants
If you enjoy amaryllis, you might also like indoor narcissus for winter scent, or oriental lilies, another bulb that usually does best with time outdoors. Keep in mind that several of these bulbs are also hazardous to pets.
FAQ
Can I grow amaryllis outdoors in pots? Yes, in warm weather. Pots let you move the plant indoors when frost threatens.
How do I care for an amaryllis? Bright light, a well-draining pot, moderate watering, and feeding while it has leaves.
Will it come back every year? It can, if the bulb is kept healthy, protected from frost, and given a rest period before regrowth.