Double Amaryllis Pretty Nymph

1 Bulb

Double Amaryllis ‘Pretty Nymph’ is a spectacular double-flowered Hippeastrum with large, ruffled blooms. The flowers are typically pink to salmon-pink and white, with deeper pink or red veining, creating a soft, hand-painted appearance. The flowers can reach approximately 18 cm (7 inches) across, and the plant has a relatively compact, sturdy habit.

It is excellent for containers, patios, balconies, indoor displays and cut flowers. With suitable care, the bulb can flower again in following seasons.

🌱 Best Planting Time

• Gulf region: September–February
• Kuwait: October–January
• UAE & Qatar: October–February
• Saudi Arabia & Bahrain: October–February
• Oman: September–February
• Best period in Kuwait: October–December
• Avoid planting during the peak summer heat.

🌿 How to Plant the Bulbs

1. Choose a firm, healthy bulb without soft or rotten areas.
2. Select a pot with good drainage holes and only slightly more space than the bulb.
3. Fill the pot with a loose, fertile, well-draining potting mix.
4. Place the bulb with the roots downward and the pointed neck upward.
5. Leave approximately one-third of the bulb above the soil surface.
6. Firm the soil gently around the lower part of the bulb.
7. Water lightly after planting.
8. Allow excess water to drain completely.

For a single bulb, a pot around 15–18 cm wide is generally suitable, depending on bulb size. Avoid using an excessively large pot because excess wet soil around the bulb increases the risk of rot.

🌡️ Sprouting

Pretty Nymph generally begins growing within several weeks after planting. Amaryllis bulbs commonly flower approximately 6–8 weeks after planting, although the timing depends on bulb size, temperature and growing conditions.

A warm temperature around 20–24°C with bright light is suitable for starting growth.

🌱 Early Plant Care

• Keep the newly planted bulb in a bright location.
• Water sparingly at first.
• Once the flower stalk or leaves begin developing, gradually increase watering.
• Rotate the pot regularly to encourage an upright flower stalk.
• Provide a support stake if the flower stem becomes heavy.
• Maintain good airflow around the plant.

☀️ Sunlight

• Provide bright light or gentle morning sun.
• During the cooler Gulf months, several hours of morning sunlight are beneficial.
• Protect the plant from strong afternoon sun during hot weather.
• Light afternoon shade is recommended during extreme heat.
• Avoid placing the pot directly on very hot concrete, metal or reflective surfaces.

💧 Watering

• Water lightly after planting.
• Do not keep the bulb constantly wet before growth begins.
• Once active growth starts, water when the upper layer of soil begins to dry.
• Water thoroughly enough to moisten the root zone, then allow excess water to drain.
• Never allow the bottom of the bulb to sit in standing water.

Good drainage is extremely important because excessive moisture can cause bulb rot.

🌱 Soil

Use a light, fertile and well-draining mix, such as:

• Quality potting soil
• Mature compost
• Perlite or pumice
• A small amount of coarse sand

The mixture should hold some moisture while allowing excess water to drain quickly.

🌿 Fertilizing

• Avoid heavy feeding immediately after planting.
• Once leaves begin growing, use a balanced fertilizer lightly.
• Continue light feeding while the foliage is actively growing.
• After flowering, feeding helps the bulb rebuild its energy reserves.
• Avoid excessive nitrogen because it can encourage foliage rather than flowering.

🌸 Flowering

Pretty Nymph is valued for its large, fully double, ruffled flowers. Multiple blooms can appear on strong flower stems, creating a very impressive display.

After flowering:

• Remove faded flowers.
• Cut the flower stalk after it has finished flowering.
• Keep the healthy green leaves so they can continue feeding the bulb.
• Do not remove green foliage immediately after flowering.

🌿 After Flowering & Dormancy

After flowering, keep the plant in bright light and continue moderate watering and feeding while the leaves remain green.

When the foliage naturally begins to yellow and the plant enters dormancy:

1. Gradually reduce watering.
2. Allow the foliage to die back naturally.
3. Keep the bulb in a dry, protected location.
4. After a suitable resting period, resume watering gradually to begin a new growth cycle.

A rest period of around 8–10 weeks can be used when encouraging a new flowering cycle.

🔥 Gulf Climate Tips

• Kuwait: October–December is an excellent planting period.
• Protect the plant from intense afternoon heat.
• Container growing is highly recommended because the pot can be moved to a cooler location.
• Use excellent drainage.
• Do not overwater during hot or humid periods.
• During extreme summer heat, bright filtered light or protected shade is preferable to harsh afternoon sun.
• Good airflow is especially useful in humid coastal areas.
• Keep the bulb away from continuously wet soil.

🌱 Growing Tip: For Kuwait, plant Pretty Nymph around October–December, leave about one-third of the bulb above the soil, provide bright morning light, water sparingly until growth starts, and protect it from strong afternoon heat.