Holiday DIY Gifts: Forcing Amaryllis Bulbs in Stylish Containers

The holidays are my favorite time to create something special for the people I care about. There’s something so joyful about giving a gift that’s not only beautiful but also a reflection of your time, thought, and creativity. One of my go-to gift ideas are forcing amaryllis bulbs and/or paper white bulbs in stylish containers. These stunning blooms are the perfect way to bring cheer indoors during the winter.

If you’ve never forced amaryllis bulbs before, don’t worry—this project is incredibly easy. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to create thoughtful, eye-catching gifts that will make your loved ones smile. Whether you’re crafting for friends, family, or coworkers, these amaryllis bulb gift idea will help you create meaningful holiday presents.

Why Amaryllis Bulbs Make the Perfect Gift

Amaryllis bulbs are a gift that keeps on giving. Not only are they elegant and long-lasting, but they’re also easy to care for, even for those who don’t consider themselves “plant people.” They bloom indoors during the winter, offering a burst of color when we need it most.

One year, I gave an amaryllis bulb to a relative who insisted she had a “black thumb.” To her surprise, it grew effortlessly, and she called me weeks later, excitedly describing the giant red blooms. She loved it so much that she kept the bulb for the next year. This experience taught me that amaryllis bulbs make incredible gifts—perfect for anyone, from seasoned gardeners to beginner plant people.

Choosing the Best Amaryllis Bulbs for Your Gift

The key to a successful gift is starting with a high-quality bulb. When shopping, look for bulbs that are firm, plump, and free of soft spots or mold. Larger bulbs tend to produce more flowers, so it’s worth investing in premium varieties if you want a showstopping display. We offer "Jumbo" sized bulbs on our website each November/December that we import from the Southern Hemisphere. We are well known at Petal Pickers for our high quality bulbs because we work with the best bulb suppliers who import the bulbs directly from their farm suppliers. For the best amaryllis bulb gifts, select varieties with unique colors or classic holiday appeal.

Here are a few of my favorite amaryllis varieties for holiday gifting:

• Red Victory: A classic deep red that feels especially festive.
• Denver: White petals perfect for an elegant touch.
• or try Paperwhites: Paperwhites are a close relative of daffodils. Paperwhite bulbs can also be forced to bloom indoors, and pair well with Amaryllis bulbs.

Picking the Perfect Stylish Container

One of the joys of this project is choosing the containers. A stylish container elevates the gift from simple to stunning and allows you to personalize it to the recipient’s taste. A unique container is what transforms your project into one of the best amaryllis bulb gift ideas for the holidays. The Nested Fig ships home decor nationwide and has a fabulous selection of containers perfect for potting up your bulbs.

What to Look for in a Container:

1. Material: Ceramic, glass, metal, or traditional clay pots are all excellent choices. Glass containers let you see the layers of pebbles and roots, adding visual interest.
2. Size: The container should be slightly larger than the bulb itself, with enough depth for the roots to grow.
3. Style: Consider the recipient’s home décor. A minimalist pot might suit one person, while a vintage-inspired container could delight another.

Drainage Tips

If your chosen container doesn’t have drainage holes, don’t worry. Add a layer of pebbles or stones to the bottom before planting. This prevents the bulb from sitting in water, which can cause rot.

Planting Your Amaryllis Bulbs

Planting an amaryllis bulb is super simple, but a few tips will help ensure your success.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

1. Prepare the Container: Add a layer of pebbles, soil, or sand to the bottom for stability. We just use this potting mix in our containers usually. If you’re using a glass container, layering stones can create a decorative effect.
2. Place the Bulb: Position the bulb with the pointed end facing up. The bottom of the bulb should rest on the planting medium, and the top one-third should remain exposed.
3. Add Potting Medium: Fill in around the bulb with potting soil, decorative stones, or a mix of the two. Press gently to secure the bulb in place.
4. Water Lightly: Add just enough water to moisten the soil or medium. Be careful not to overwater—amaryllis bulbs prefer to stay slightly dry until roots develop.

Adding Personal Touches to Your Gift

This is where the fun begins—personalizing your gifts with festive flourishes. Decorations can transform a simple amaryllis bulb into a showpiece and elevate your amaryllis bulb gift ideas into something unforgettable.

Creative Decoration Ideas

• Top the Soil: Add a layer of moss, natural elements such as small pinecones or dried mushrooms, or you can add glittering ornaments to make it feel festive.
• Ribbons and Tags: Tie a ribbon around the container and attach a handwritten tag with care instructions.
• Seasonal Accents: Tuck in small sprigs of evergreen or holly for a natural, wintry touch.

 

Why This DIY Gift is So Special

There’s something magical about watching an amaryllis bulb grow and bloom during the dark days of winter. It’s a gift that feels alive, full of hope and beauty—a perfect reflection of the holiday season. Whether you’re giving it to a friend, family member, or teacher, amaryllis bulbs make unique and thoughtful gifts that will be cherished much more than gift cards. These are thoughtful gifts that will leave a lasting impression. 

How to Get Your Amaryllis Bulb to Rebloom Next Year

One of the best-kept secrets about amaryllis bulbs is that they can bloom again year after year with proper care. While many people treat these bulbs as one-time wonders, it’s surprisingly easy to coax them into reblooming, making your holiday gift even more special.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure your amaryllis bulb thrives and blooms again next year:

Step 1: Care During and After Blooming

1. Enjoy the Blooms: While the flowers are in full display, keep the plant in a bright spot with indirect sunlight. Rotate the container occasionally for even growth. The bloom stalks can tend to lean towards the light, but will easily correct themselves and straighten up. 
2. Remove Spent Flowers: As blooms fade, carefully snip them off at the base of the flower to prevent the plant from expending energy on seed production.
3. Keep the Leaves: Do not cut off the leaves! They’re vital for photosynthesis, which helps the bulb store energy for its next bloom cycle.

Step 2: Transition to Post-Bloom Care

1. Continue Watering: After the flowers are gone, continue watering the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, as soggy soil can lead to bulb rot.
2. Feed the Bulb: Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (10-10-10 or 20-20-20) every 2-4 weeks to help the bulb regain strength. Follow the package directions for the appropriate dilution.

Step 3: Move the Bulb Outdoors (If Possible)

1. Timing: Once the danger of frost has passed in spring, move your amaryllis outdoors to a sunny spot. This allows the bulb to recharge in natural light.
2. Planting: You can either leave it in its container or plant it directly in the garden. If planting in the ground, ensure the soil is well-draining.

Step 4: Rest the Bulb

1. Bring Indoors in Late Summer/Early Fall: Around 8-10 weeks before you’d like it to bloom (usually by October for holiday flowers), bring the bulb back inside.
2. Stop Watering: Gradually reduce watering until the leaves yellow and die back. This signals the bulb is entering dormancy.
3. Store the Bulb: Remove any dead foliage and place the bulb in a cool, dark, and dry location (like a basement or garage) for 6-8 weeks. This rest period is crucial for triggering the next bloom cycle.

Step 5: Prepare for Rebloom

1. Repot the Bulb: After the rest period, repot the bulb in fresh potting soil, leaving the top one-third exposed. Use a clean container and well-draining mix.
2. Resume Watering: Water sparingly at first, just enough to moisten the soil. Place the container in a warm, bright location.
3. Watch for Growth: In a few weeks, you’ll see new growth emerge, and soon, your amaryllis will be ready to delight you with its stunning blooms once again.

Tips for Success

• Keep the Leaves Healthy: During the growing season, healthy leaves mean a strong bulb. Avoid letting pests or diseases damage the foliage.
• Patience is Key: If the bulb doesn’t bloom immediately after dormancy, don’t panic. Some bulbs take longer to reestablish their cycle.
• Enjoy the Process: Caring for an amaryllis bulb year-round can be incredibly rewarding. Watching it return to life after months of care is one of the joys of gardening.

By following these steps, you’ll transform your amaryllis bulb into a perennial treasure, delighting you (or your gift recipient) with its stunning flowers season after season. Whether it’s for yourself or a loved one, this living gift is a beautiful reminder of growth, care, and the magic of nature.

~Happy Holidays from the Petal Pickers Team