The best answer to where to put amaryllis is near a bright south-facing or west-facing window that gets at least 6 hours of light each day. This gives the plant enough energy to grow a strong, straight stalk and open vibrant flowers that last for weeks.
Your amaryllis window placement makes a bigger difference than you'd think. I tested this by putting identical bulbs at three windows in my house one winter. The south window plant grew the straightest stalk with the most vivid color. The east window bulb leaned hard toward the glass. The north window plant grew so crooked I had to stake it within the first week.
South-facing windows give you the strongest winter light in the Northern Hemisphere. The sun tracks low across the southern sky from November through February. That means your south window gets direct light for the longest stretch of the day. West-facing windows work as a solid backup with strong afternoon light. East windows only give a few hours of gentle morning sun, which often isn't enough.
Position matters within the window area too. Keep your pot 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) back from the glass itself. Winter windowpanes can drop well below room temperature at night, and cold glass touching the leaves or stalk can cause tissue damage. At the same time, don't push the plant so far from the window that it loses the benefit of direct light.
Stay away from heating vents, radiators, and fireplaces when you pick your spot. Blasts of dry, hot air cause your flowers to wilt faster and dry the soil out. A steady, cool temp around 60°F to 65°F (16°C to 18°C) gives you the longest-lasting blooms. If your best window sits above a vent, use a deflector to push the air away.
The best spot for amaryllis indoors changes with the seasons. During the active blooming phase, keep the plant in bright indirect light in a cool room to help each flower last as long as possible. Once the flowers fade and you cut the spent stalk, move the pot to the sunniest window you have or set it outside in full sun for the summer. The plant needs maximum light during the leaf-growing months to store up energy for next year's flowers.
Rotate the pot a quarter turn every 2 to 3 days no matter which window you choose. Amaryllis stalks grow toward the light source, and without rotation you'll end up with a stalk that leans at an awkward angle. Consistent turning keeps the growth centered and saves you from needing to stake most varieties.
Pick the brightest, coolest window spot in your home and keep the pot away from heat sources. Rotate it often. Your amaryllis will produce tall, straight stalks with flowers that hold their color for a full two weeks or more per bloom. That's all it takes to get the best results from your bulb.
Read the full article: Amaryllis Plant: Complete Growing Guide
