Why Do We Hang Amaryllis Upside Down?

Before we talk about hanging, a quick word on the bulb itself. 

Waxed amaryllis bulbs are ordinary amaryllis bulbs (technically hippeastrum, though we all call them amaryllis) that have had their roots trimmed away before being dipped in a coating of coloured wax.

The wax is what allows the bulb to flower from its own reserves as it seals in all of the moisture and nutrition the bulb already holds. This means there is no need for compost, watering, or a pot. You’re now free to place it somewhere bright and wait four to six weeks for those trumpet-shaped blooms to appear.

Because they are so self-sufficient, they've become one of the most popular Christmas amaryllis options in the UK, and a lovely amaryllis gift for anyone who wants a dramatic winter flower without any of the fuss.

The trend appears to have started in the Netherlands and Scandinavia, where amaryllis have long been a winter tradition, and it has gradually made its way over to the UK.

The waxed bulb doesn’t require being beneath soil like a conventional bulb does, so you’re free to display it however you like. It just seems that hanging is the best looking option.

Hanging upside down helps you make use of vertical space in a crowded Christmas display and can add a bit of drama, especially if you hang a row at differing heights, creating a floating garden effect.

From a stability stand point an amaryllis flower is top-heavy, and a waxed bulb sitting on a table can easily topple once the blooms open. Hung from its base, the weight simply hangs naturally.

Yes, a process known as phototropism means that whichever way you orientate the bulb, the flower stalk will always grow towards the light. So rather than emerging straight down from the hanging bulb, the stalk curves round in an elegant arc and reaches towards the nearest window.

That curve is what gives it its charm. If you rotate the bulb every couple of days you’ll ensure the curve stays even and the stem doesn't lean too far in one direction.

If you've been wondering how to grow amaryllis this way, follow these steps:

• Check the base - Most waxed bulbs have a wire coil in the bottom, which is your ready-made hook. If yours doesn't, wrap the florist's wire firmly around the waxed base, taking care not to pierce the bulb.
• Choose a bright spot -  Away from radiators. A cool, light room will keep the flowers going for longer.
• Allow for height - The stalk can reach 40-60cm, so leave plenty of room above and below.
• Group them - Three bulbs hung at staggered heights on ribbon or twine look far better than one on its own.
• Combine with greenery - Hanging bulbs work beautifully alongside a wreath, garland or a length of eucalyptus.

Amaryllis care is straightforward. There's no need for watering, feeding or repotting; the bulb does all the work for you. Just be sure to keep it out of draughts and away from direct heat and check the wire or ribbon each week as the flower stalk grows heavier.

If you're wondering how long do amaryllis flowers last, each stalk typically carries between three and six blooms which open in sequence, giving you two to three weeks of colour. A cooler room will extend that, and larger bulbs often send up a second stalk once the first has finished.

Because the hanging amaryllis is being fed from the bulb alone, it's generally treated as a single-season display. Once the flowers fade you’ll want to compost it.

If you want to save it you can try to carefully peel away the wax, pot the bulb in free-draining compost with the top third sitting above the surface. With some watering and feeding through spring and summer it can build up a new set of leaves. It doesn’t always work but is worth a try.

For something that’s a bit more guaranteed, try buying unwaxed bulbs and grow them in a pot. If you're not sure when to plant amaryllis bulbs, aim for October to January, roughly six to eight weeks before you want them in flower.

Hanging an amaryllis upside down is a great way of making the most of a bulb that no longer needs a pot to thrive. It is a great way of creating a striking and low-effort Christmas display and adding a welcome bit of drama.