Why won't my plant bloom?

It likely needs a period of cooler, drier rest during the winter.

Should I cut the leaves off?

No, let the leaves die back naturally so the bulb can store energy.

Plant guide

Amaryllis.

Hippeastrum reginae

Pronounced hip-ee-AS-trum re-JY-nee

Also known as Mexican Lily

Hippeastrum reginae — Photo by ccarriconde ccarriconde (CC BY) via gbif

Amaryllis are stunning bulbous plants known for their massive, trumpet shaped blooms. They are popular for indoor winter color and make a bold statement in any room. With proper care, they can bloom reliably for many years.

At a glance

Care level: Moderate
Plant type: Bulbous perennial
Light: Bright, indirect light is best for blooming.
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 5 to 10 days
Mature size: 2 feet
Growth rate: Medium
Hardiness: USDA 9 to 11
Bloom time: Late winter to early spring

Care

Plant the bulb with the top third exposed above the soil line to prevent rot. Keep the soil lightly moist while the flower stalk grows, then reduce water after blooming. Watch for yellowing leaves or soft spots on the bulb as these often indicate overwatering.

Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Feeding: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer during the active growing season.
Pruning: Remove the flower stalk once it fades, but keep the foliage to nourish the bulb.
Repotting: Repot only when the bulb becomes crowded in its current container.
Soil: Well draining potting mix
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.0
Temperature: 10 to 28°C
Humidity: 40 to 60%
Drought tolerance: Moderate
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 10 to 20 years
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes
Bulb becoming too crowded in the pot

Safety

People: The bulb contains alkaloids that cause significant gastrointestinal distress if eaten.
Pets: This plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, causing vomiting and diarrhea.
Children: Keep this plant out of reach of children as the bulbs are poisonous and look like onions.
Contact allergens: Handling the bulbs may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: The pollen can trigger mild respiratory reactions in some people.
Edibility: All parts of this plant are toxic if ingested and should never be consumed.

How to identify it

Large, fleshy bulb base
Strap shaped green leaves
Tall, thick, hollow flower stalks
Large, trumpet shaped blooms
Flowers in clusters of two to four

Height: 0.3 to 0.6m
Spread: 0.2 to 0.3m
Leaves: green, deciduous
Flowers: red, white, 10 to 15cm
Fruit: black, Late spring

Problems to watch for

Narcissus Bulb FlyCommon
Red BlotchCommon
Bulb RotUncommon
MealybugsUncommon
Spider MitesUncommon
ThripsUncommon
Soft RotRare

By symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: division, seed
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: Reduce watering significantly and move to a cool, dark place once the leaves yellow. Keep the bulb dry for about 8 to 10 weeks, until new growth appears in midwinter, then resume light watering.
In containers: They thrive in containers, provided the pot is only slightly larger than the bulb.

Bulb Division

Carefully remove the plant from its pot.
Gently separate the small offsets from the main bulb.
Replant the offsets in individual pots with fresh soil.

Group these with other tropical plants that appreciate consistent moisture and indirect light.

Grows well with

Ferns · They enjoy similar light and moisture levels.
Spider plant · They provide a nice textural contrast to the thick leaves.

Similar species

Barbados lily · It shares a similar growth habit and flower shape.

Science

Family: Amaryllidaceae
Genus: Hippeastrum
Order: Asparagales
Class: Liliopsida
Native range: Tropical regions of Mexico, Central America, and South America.
Conservation: It is not currently listed as endangered but wild collection is discouraged.

It grows in well drained soil in dappled light under forest canopies.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: bees, butterflies
Uses: ornamental houseplant, cut flower

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 1/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 6/9
Temperature: 7/9
Moisture: 4/9
Nutrients: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Why won't my plant bloom?: It likely needs a period of cooler, drier rest during the winter.
Should I cut the leaves off?: No, let the leaves die back naturally so the bulb can store energy.

Where the name comes from

Reginae means of the queen, honoring the plant's regal appearance.

Good to know

The name Hippeastrum comes from the Greek words for knight and star.
It is often confused with the genus Amaryllis.
These plants can live for many decades with proper care.

Also in

Plants toxic to cats and dogs

Keep your amaryllis growing

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This guide was generated with AI on September 26, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.