An amaryllis in a glass is a real eye-catcher, particularly during the winter and Christmas season. The transparent vessel allows you to see not only the large flowers, but also the bulb and its sturdy roots. This makes this method of cultivation particularly decorative. At the same time, an amaryllis in a glass without soil does require a bit of attention, as the correct water level, in particular, determines whether the plant develops healthily or the bulb starts to rot.

Whether done the traditional way with water and stones, as an amaryllis in a glass with moss or as a festive arrangement: in just a few simple steps, you can create your own amaryllis bulb display in a glass. We’ll show you how to do it properly and what you should bear in mind after flowering.

Can you keep an amaryllis in a glass without soil?

An amaryllis can certainly be grown in a glass without potting compost during its flowering period. The bulb does not grow directly in the water. Instead, it is positioned above the water level so that its roots can grow into the water.

The base of the bulb should not be in constant contact with the water. If the bulb itself is standing in the water, the risk of rot increases significantly. Ideally, there should be a gap of about one centimetre between the base of the bulb and the water’s surface. Existing roots, however, may extend into the water.

An amaryllis grown in a glass without soil initially draws primarily on the reserves stored in its bulb for growth and flowering. However, soil is better suited for long-term cultivation. After flowering, you should therefore plant the bulb in a pot if you wish to keep it and encourage it to flower again later.

Which glass is suitable for an amaryllis?

The easiest way to grow one is in a special bulb vase. This has a narrower section where the amaryllis bulb sits securely, whilst the water is contained below.

Alternatively, you can use a glass cylinder that is tall enough. Place pebbles, glass stones or clay granules inside and set the bulb on top. The material stabilises the plant whilst also creating a gap between the bulb and the water.

Make sure that the container:

• is stable and heavy enough,
• provides a secure hold for the bulb,
• leaves enough space for the roots,
• allows you to check the water level.

This is particularly important because the large amaryllis flowers can become quite heavy later on.

How to make your own amaryllis in a glass: step by step

If you don’t want to buy a ready-made amaryllis in a glass, you can easily create the arrangement yourself.

1. Prepare the glass and bulb

Clean the glass thoroughly and rinse the pebbles or other filling material before use. Also check the amaryllis bulb. It should be firm and free from any soft or rotten patches.

2. Fill with pebbles or granules

If using a straight-sided glass vessel, first add a sufficiently deep layer of clean pebbles or granules. The bulb will be placed on top of this later.

If using a special bulb vase, the narrowing of the vessel will fulfil this function.

3. Place the amaryllis in the glass

Place the amaryllis bulb with the root base facing downwards on the glass or on the prepared layer of stones. It should stand firmly and not be able to tip over later under the weight of the flowers.

4. Pour in water

Carefully pour in water. There should be a gap of about one centimetre between the base of the bulb and the water. The roots can reach the water and continue to grow in it, whilst the bulb itself remains dry.

5. Place in a bright, warm spot

Initially, place the glass in a bright, warm spot. Temperatures of around 20 °C encourage the shoots to emerge. However, avoid placing it directly on or immediately next to a radiator.

Once the flowers have opened, a slightly cooler, bright spot can help ensure you enjoy the blooms for longer.

Amaryllis in a glass with moss: attractive, but not essential

An Amaryllis in a glass with moss looks particularly natural and is ideal as a winter decoration. However, the Amaryllis does not need the moss for its growth.

When caring for an amaryllis in a glass with moss, the most important thing is to ensure that the moss does not trap moisture around the bulb for prolonged periods. You should therefore arrange the moss around the plant or on top of the stones for decorative purposes, rather than wrapping the bulb tightly in damp moss.

The base of the bulb should remain dry, even when decorated with moss.

Suitable alternatives include, for example:

• pebbles
• glass stones
• clay granules
• bark
• pine cones
• decorative pieces of wood

This allows you to tailor the look to suit your interior décor and the season.

How should you water an amaryllis in a glass?

When watering an amaryllis in a glass, it is less about traditional watering and more about monitoring the water level. The roots need sufficient water, whilst the base of the bulb should remain dry.

You should therefore check the water level regularly and top it up slightly if necessary. The transparent glass makes this particularly easy to monitor.

If the water becomes cloudy or develops an unpleasant odour, you should change it and clean the vessel if possible. Do not pour water directly over the bulb.

Furthermore, the glass should never be filled right up to the bulb. With an amaryllis, more water does not automatically mean better care, and a consistently high level of moisture encourages rot.

Caring for an amaryllis in a glass correctly

If the water level and location are right, further care is straightforward. Place the plant in a bright spot and rotate the glass slightly from time to time. Amaryllis grow towards the light, so the long flower stalk may otherwise lean significantly to one side.

When caring for an amaryllis in a glass, you should also bear the following in mind:

• Check the water level regularly
• Do not leave the bulb standing in water
• Choose a bright spot
• Avoid direct heat from radiators
• Rotate the glass jar occasionally
• Support very long or heavy flower stems if necessary
• Change cloudy water

During flowering, no additional fertiliser is usually necessary. The bulb has sufficient stored reserves to initially produce flowers and leaves.

Amaryllis in a glass jar with soil: is that possible too?

An amaryllis in a glass jar with soil kan also look decorative. However, a sealed glass container without a drainage hole is less suitable for long-term cultivation. Excess water cannot drain away, and waterlogging quickly causes problems for the roots and bulb.

If you’d like to combine the transparent look with soil, it’s best to use a small plant pot with drainage holes and place this inside a decorative glass container. This way, you can pour off any excess water.

When you plant an amaryllis in a glass, a significant part of the bulb should remain above the soil. So never bury it completely under the soil.

Decorating amaryllis in a glass: ideas for winter and Christmas

With just a few additional materials, you can style an amaryllis as a decoration in a glass in many different ways. It looks particularly beautiful if you don’t overfill the glass and leave the bulb’s distinctive shape visible.

For a natural look, you can combine pebbles, moss, bark, small twigs and pine cones. In contrast, a minimalist arrangement can be created using light-coloured stones and a white or red amaryllis.

Decorating an amaryllis in a glass for Christmas

An amaryllis in a glass for Christmas can be beautifully integrated into the rest of your festive decorations. For example, combine the glass with:

• pine twigs
• pine cones
• small Christmas tree baubles
• stars
• a delicate string of fairy lights
• wooden decorations
• red, gold or silver accents

A festive amaryllis in a glass is particularly well suited as a decoration on the dining table, a chest of drawers or a wide windowsill.

Whenever decorating with an amaryllis in a glass, ensure that the materials do not cover the water level and do not cause prolonged dampness directly on the bulb.

Low-maintenance alternative: waxed amaryllis in a glass

Do you love the look of an amaryllis but want to minimise the hassle of watering and care? Then a waxed amaryllis is an interesting alternative.

A waxed amaryllis in a glass requires neither soil nor additional water whilst in bloom. The specially prepared bulb has stored enough moisture and energy to sprout and flower under its own steam.

This makes it the ideal solution if you’re looking for an amaryllis in a glass without soil or water.

Decorating a wax amaryllis in a glass

As no water reservoir is required, you have plenty of freedom when it comes to decorating. For example, place the wax amaryllis in a large glass and fill the base with pine cones, Christmas baubles, wooden stars or a small string of fairy lights.

Particularly during Advent, this creates a decorative alternative to the classic amaryllis in a glass of water with very little effort.

What happens to the amaryllis in a glass after it has finished flowering?

If you wish to keep your amaryllis for the long term, you should not simply leave it in the glass after the hydroponic period. In order to build up reserves for the next flowering, the plant needs a good supply of water and nutrients after flowering.

Remove any faded flowers and, later on, cut the faded flower stalk off just above the bulb. Leave the green leaves in place. The plant uses these to carry out photosynthesis and store new energy in the bulb.

Then carefully remove the amaryllis from the glass without causing any unnecessary damage to the roots.

Planting the amaryllis from the glass into soil

After flowering, place the bulb in a sturdy pot with drainage holes and well-draining potting compost. The pot does not need to be much larger than the bulb.

Proceed as follows:

1. Put some loose potting compost into the pot.
2. Gently spread out the roots.
3. Place the amaryllis bulb in the centre.
4. Fill in the soil around the roots.
5. Leave about the top third to half of the bulb protruding from the soil.
6. Water the soil and allow any excess water to drain away completely.

Then place the plant in a bright spot and continue to care for the green leaves. During this growth phase, the amaryllis can be regularly fed to help the bulb regain its strength.

Later, it will need a resting period before it is encouraged to flower again. You can find out more about how to do this in our guide to storing an amaryllis bulb.

The most common mistakes when growing an amaryllis in a glass

Growing an amaryllis in a glass isn’t complicated, but small mistakes can quickly damage the bulb.

• The bulb is standing in water: This is the most important point. Only the roots should absorb water. There should be a gap between the water’s surface and the base of the bulb.
• The moss is constantly wet: Damp moss in direct contact with the bulb can create an unfavourably damp environment. It is better to use it mainly as decoration.
• The container is too light: A fully grown flower stalk with several large flowers can exert a surprising amount of leverage. The glass should therefore be stable.
• The plant is not rotated: The flower stalk grows towards the light and can lean significantly. Rotating it regularly encourages straighter growth.
• The amaryllis remains permanently in water after flowering: To flower again, the bulb needs a period in which it can replenish its reserves. Growing it in soil is better suited for this.

Frequently asked questions

How do you care for an amaryllis in a glass?

Place the amaryllis in a bright, warm spot and maintain the water level so that only the roots are submerged. The bulb itself should remain dry. Rotate the glass regularly so that the flower stem grows as straight as possible.

How much water does an amaryllis in a glass need?

Fill with just enough water to leave a gap of about one centimetre between the water’s surface and the base of the bulb. The roots may extend into the water. Check the water level regularly and top up carefully if necessary.

Can you grow an amaryllis in a glass with moss?

Moss makes an excellent decoration, but is not necessary for the amaryllis to grow. Make sure that wet moss does not lie directly against the base of the bulb for long periods, as too much moisture can encourage rot.

How long can an amaryllis stay in a glass without soil?

An amaryllis can be grown successfully in a glass without soil to encourage flowering. If you wish to preserve the bulb in the long term and encourage it to flower again, you should plant it in well-draining potting compost after flowering and continue to care for it.

Can an amaryllis be kept in a glass without water?

A standard amaryllis grown in water requires water for its roots. If you’re looking for an amaryllis that requires absolutely no soil or watering, a specially prepared waxed amaryllis is the right choice.

Do you need to water a waxed amaryllis in a glass?

No. A waxed amaryllis contains sufficient stored moisture and energy for its intended flowering. It requires neither soil nor additional water and is therefore particularly well-suited as a low-maintenance decoration.