Winter in New York can turn anything green into a distant memory, yet amaryllis bulbs still manage to steal the show in apartment windows.
Many New Yorkers have learned a simple windowsill secret that keeps these blooms standing tall while the city freezes outside.
A bright spot with steady warmth gives each bulb the push it needs to send up bold stems and flowers that glow against the winter gray.
With just the right light and a calm corner away from drafts, amaryllis turns even the smallest windowsill into a burst of color during the coldest months.
Bright Light And Steady Warmth Are Key
The amaryllis windowsill secret New Yorkers rely on in winter comes down to giving the plant bright light and steady warmth.
A south or west facing windowsill offers the strong indirect sunlight the bulb needs for rapid growth while still keeping it comfortably warm indoors.
This simple setup turns an ordinary window into a mini greenhouse, helping amaryllis send up tall stalks and bold blooms even when the city is deep in winter.
Dodge The Draft Zones
Cold air sneaking through window frames can shock your amaryllis and stunt its growth. Even though the plant needs bright light, position it a few inches back from the glass to avoid chilly drafts that drop the temperature suddenly.
Radiators pose the opposite problem. Direct heat blasts dry out the soil too quickly and can actually cook the bulb from below.
Find that sweet spot between the cold window and the hot radiator where your plant stays comfortably warm without extreme temperature swings throughout the day.
Water With A Light Touch
Overwatering destroys more amaryllis plants than anything else, so go easy with the watering can. The soil should feel slightly damp to the touch, like a wrung-out sponge, but never waterlogged or sitting in a puddle.
Check the top inch of soil with your finger before adding water. If it feels dry, pour water around the edges of the pot rather than directly on the bulb itself.
Good drainage is essential, so make sure your container has holes at the bottom to let excess moisture escape freely.
Spin It To Keep It Straight
Plants naturally lean toward their light source, which means your amaryllis will start bending toward the window if you leave it alone.
This creates a lopsided look that can eventually cause the heavy flower stalk to tip over completely. Rotate your pot a quarter turn every two or three days to encourage even growth on all sides.
This simple habit takes only seconds but results in a perfectly upright stem that shows off those magnificent blooms from every angle. Your plant will look professionally grown instead of crooked and awkward.
Stake Tall Stalks For Support
Once your amaryllis starts shooting up, the flower stalk can grow surprisingly tall and top-heavy. Some varieties reach two feet or more, and when those massive blooms finally open, the weight can cause the whole thing to lean or even snap.
Insert a bamboo stake or wooden dowel into the soil near the edge of the pot, being careful not to pierce the bulb itself.
Use soft plant ties or strips of fabric to gently secure the stalk to the stake at one or two points along its height, allowing room for natural movement and continued growth.