Another easy plant to grow indoors during the winter months is the Amaryllis bulb. Here's the scoop-

Amaryllis bulbs can be purchased pre-planted in pots but it is more fun to just buy the bulbs and plant them yourself - it will give you a sense of accomplishment. Here is a hint- look for when purchasing amaryllis, the largest and most solid bulbs. The largest bulbs usually produce 2 or 3 flower stalks.

When planting an amaryllis bulb, select a pot which is approximately 1 to 2 inches wider than the diameter of the bulb. The container may be clay, ceramic or plastic, but should have drainage holes in the bottom. Plant the bulb in a well-drained potting soil. Always buy a new bag of potting soil, don't rely on the dirt that has been in the shed for years, usually it has unwanted creatures and parasites that could cause some internal problems for your plant and interior problems for your home. Add a small amount of potting soil in the bottom of the pot. Center the bulb in the middle of the pot. Then add additional potting soil, firming it around the roots and just about half way to the top of the stem of the bulb. The upper one-half of the bulb should remain above the soil surface. Also, leave about one inch between the soil surface and the pot's rim. Water well and place in a warm spot and watch it grow!

Some additional hints regarding your Amaryllis for blooming next year

Unfortunately it is one of those things that I never seem to work for me, but here it goes, give this a try and let me know if it works for you. After the flowers are finished blooming, cut off the flower stalk with a sharp knife or scissors. Make the cut 1 to 2 inches above the bulb. In order for the bulb to bloom again next season, the plant must replenish its depleted food reserves. Interestingly enough it is the leaves that manufacture food for the plant. Place the plant in a sunny window and water when the soil surface is nearly dry. Fertilize every 2 to 4 weeks with a houseplant fertilizer.

The amaryllis can be moved outdoors in late May. Harden or acclimate the plant to the outdoors by placing it in a shady, protected area for 2 to 3 days then gradually expose it to longer periods of sunlight. Once hardened, select a sight in partial to full sun. Dig a hole and set the pot into the ground. Outdoors, continue to water the plant during dry weather. Also, continue to fertilize the amaryllis once or twice a month through July. Bring the plant indoors in mid-September. Plants left indoors should be kept in a sunny window.

Reflowering of the Amaryllis

In order to bloom, amaryllis bulbs must be exposed to temperatures of 50 to 55ºF for a minimum of 8 to 10 weeks. To induce dormancy, place the plant in a cool, semi-dark location in late September and withhold water. Cut off the foliage when the leaves turn brown. Then place the dormant bulb in a 50 to 55ºF location for at least 8 to 10 weeks. After the cool requirement has been met, start the growth cycle again by watering the bulb and placing it in a well-lighted, 70 to 75ºF location. Start the cycle over. Hopefully you'll have more like than me.

Some of the reasons it may fail to bloom

Insufficient food reserves in their bulbs. Failure to expose the bulbs to temperatures of 50 to 55ºF for 8 to 10 weeks could also be to blame.