Amaryllis

Question

I just planted a big amaryllis bulb in a pot to grow indoors. I can see the first leaf just starting to poke out from the top of the bulb, but there also seems to water leaking out of the top of the bulb. Is that normal? The soil is not too wet. I’ve grown amaryllis before but I recall ever seeing this. Thank you.

Answer 1

The only time that I am aware of this happening is with overly wet soil. It will exude a sap to try and correct the moisture around its root zone. The plant doesn’t tolerate wet soil very well. Only moist. It would help to have a picture to see the conditions. Make sure that the pot it is in has proper drainage. If it has a catch pan, then there is likely standing water that is not visible to you, even if the top doesn’t appear wet. Just make sure there is proper drainage in the pot, and keep an eye out for root rot. This will show as brown or black leaf tips that will consume the whole plant eventually.

This article will help refresh on the care of these plants: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/amaryllis-hippeastrum/amaryllis-care-instructions-how-to-care-for-an-amaryllis.htm