Expert explains mistake to 'never' make when caring for Christmas houseplant

Amaryllis, also known as hippeastrum, is the gift that keeps on giving, blooming year after year if cared for properly.

Renowned for its striking red blooms, this plant can be grown from a bulb or bought fully matured. In light of the festive season, Magenta Flowers, specialists in flower preservation, have assembled some crucial care tips.

They said: "One of the easiest flower bulbs to grow and care for, amaryllis produces large, colourful flowers and thrives indoors." When it comes to watering these seasonal plants, they stressed the importance of not allowing them to sit in water, as excessive indoor moisture during winter can be deadly, resulting in root rot.

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The experts said: "Soil should be barely moist. Use the finger dip test to check the soil before watering by dipping your finger one inch into the soil. If the soil feels wet, wait to water. When watering, take care not to wet the portion of the bulb visible above the soil.

"Allow excess water to drain completely - you should never leave your amaryllis to sit in water." For optimal care, avoid placing your amaryllis in direct sunlight and maintain room temperatures around 15C. Sudden temperature fluctuations and drafts are foes of these beauties, so be mindful of their environment, reports .

Meanwhile, horticultural gurus at the RHS suggest rotating the pot frequently to prevent the flower stalk leaning towards light sources. The RHS has dished out sage advice to green-fingered enthusiasts keen on seeing their Amaryllis thrive year after year.

They suggest that once the flower spikes are spent, cutting them back to the base can encourage future blossoms. Moreover, propagation is a snap: "Separate offsets from the main bulb when repotting in January to March, look out for offsets with their own roots."

For those nurturing the offspring bulbs, the RHS advises: "Pot up in individual pots in a free-draining compost, keeping them at a temperature of 21C. Feed in the same way as potted seedlings and don't induce dormancy."