How to Keep an Amaryllis Upright

Co-authored by Malori Maeva and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: September 20, 2022 References

The amaryllis is a beautiful addition to your home, but it can be a pain when it starts leaning or drooping. These plants can get a bit top-heavy, or they can start to droop depending on the conditions.^{[1]
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Research source} It may take a little trial and error, but it only takes a few minutes to make the adjustments needed to better support your amaryllis.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Staking the Amaryllis

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Grab a stake that’s about as tall as the entire amaryllis plant. Find a garden stake or twig, which will serve as a sturdy support for your drooping plant.^{[2]
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Research source} Amaryllis plants tend to be around 2 ft (0.61 m) tall, so look for a stake or twig that matches this height.^{[3]
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- You don’t need a thick gardening stake for this! A twig or other thin, sturdy object will work fine.^{[4]
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2
Insert the stake deep in the soil next to your amaryllis. Find an open section of soil next to your plant. Stick the stake several inches or centimeters down into the dirt, or until it feels sturdy. At this point, check that the stake is really close to the plant, so you can tie them together easily.^{[5]
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- You can use stakes in potted amaryllis or flowers that you’re growing outside.
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3
Tie up to 4 pieces of twine around your stake and plant. Grab at several 8 to 10 in (20 to 25 cm) pieces of twine and knot them securely around both the stake and the amaryllis.^{[6]
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Research source} As a decorative touch, tie the twine in a bow so your amaryllis plant looks aesthetically pleasing.^{[7]
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Repeat this process with any other flowers you have. Grab as many stakes as you need, placing them close to each flower. Take several more 8 to 10 in (20 to 25 cm) sections of twine and tie them around your amaryllis plant for extra security.^{[8]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Caring for the Plant to Prevent Drooping

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Display your plant in a temperate area with direct sunlight. Find a place in your home or yard that gets a little bit of direct sunlight, like a window or side garden. Note that amaryllis plants thrive most in warm temperatures, and don’t do well when it’s hotter than 65 °F (18 °C). Always keep your plant in a well-lit area so your plant stays healthy and refreshed.^{[9]
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- Healthy amaryllis leaves will be pretty upright and sturdy on their own, while unhealthy leaves will droop down.
- Cut flowers are different from potted plants, so direct sunlight is always a good idea.
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Rotate the flower pot each day so the flower doesn’t droop in a certain direction. Check on your amaryllis plant each day to see how it’s doing. Amaryllis flowers are huge fans of sunlight, and tend to lean in the direction of the sun if they’re kept in the same place for too long. To keep this from happening, turn the flower pot 45 to 90 degrees so the plant can stay upright. If you keep your plant in 1 position for too long, the entire plant will become lopsided.^{[10]
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- It’s okay if you forget to turn your plant sometimes—just try to rotate it before the amaryllis gets too dependent on the sunlight.
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Water your amaryllis weekly to keep it in great shape. Pour lukewarm water around the base of the amaryllis, without pouring it directly onto the bulb. Tap the soil with your finger to make sure that it’s damp, then stop watering. Once the soil feels dry again, re-water your flower.^{[11]
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Research source} Only water your plant as needed—if you add too much water, the flower bulb may rot, causing your plant to become sickly.
- Regular watering helps keep your flower as healthy and vibrant as possible!

Community Q&A

Question

How do I stop my amaryllis from drooping?

Malori Maeva
Florist
Malori Maeva is a Florist and the Founder of Form Floral in Phoenix, Arizona. With over eight years of experience, she specializes in both the administrative and creative aspects of floristry, styling, and design. Malori holds a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing from Columbia College Chicago.

Malori Maeva

Florist

Expert Answer

Cut them before the buds open. In my experience, this will prolong the life of the cut flower so they will bloom once they're in water. This way, you'll get a lot more time out of them if compared to cutting them after blooming.

Warnings

Keep your plant away from any excess heat. While amaryllis plants need sunlight, they don’t do well in hot temperatures.^{[12]
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