Yahoo Life Shopping
Why you can trust us

We independently evaluate the products we review. When you buy via links on our site, we may receive compensation. Read more about how we vet products and deals.

No water, no soil? Shoppers say this giftable $18 plant is 'like a magic show'

If there's someone with a black thumb on your holiday list, this bestselling bulb is lovely and no-maintenance.

There are two kinds of people in this world: those whose plants flourish and others who can barely keep a Chia Pet alive. But even those of us who don't have the botanical magic touch appreciate the beauty of live plants, and if you've got someone who falls into this camp on your holiday gift list, we've found just the thing. Behold: Amazon's No. 1 bestselling The Three Company Waxed Amaryllis Bulb. Yes, it's real, but here's the catch — it doesn't require any water or soil. In fact, there's really no maintenance involved at all. Sound too good to be true? Keep scrolling to see why shoppers are calling it the "best gift ever."

Those vibrant red petals will certainly help liven things up during the cold, dark winter — and getting them to bloom couldn't be more foolproof. 

$18 at Amazon

Here's how it works: Because the amaryllis bulb is encased in wax (you can choose from several fun colors), the nutrients and moisture required for the plant to grow are nice and contained. No need to replenish! All your recipient will have to do is keep it in an area with ample, indirect sunlight and ... that's it!

The flowers take about 4-6 weeks to blossom and should last for several weeks. Once it's done blooming, the wax can be removed and the bulb planted in soil for future flowerings. (It'll give your loved one a chance to flex their newly discovered plant-growing muscles!)

Red amaryllis flowers on a side table
Step aside, poinsettias — there's another festive flower in town. (Getty Images)

More than 1,300 Amazon customers are singing this pretty plant's praises to the tune of a five-star rating.

"The gift for the person [who] has everything," wrote one satisfied shopper. "The gift that keeps giving. You just enjoy watching it grow each day without any maintenance. It’s like a 4-6 week magic show. Will buy more next year!"

"This waxed bulb arrived in perfect condition," shared another. "I simply placed it in a dish near a window and watched it grow. No water or soil needed. This would be perfect for someone in a nursing home or assisted living facility."

"I love it," raved a third. "It's perfect for someone who doesn't have a green thumb. Watching it evolve each day brings joy all by itself, and then you get a gorgeous amaryllis."

While the majority of comments were positive, a few reviewers had some notes. "It definitely blew my mind that I never needed to water it, and it completely bloomed (I had four flowers on my first bloom)," said a generally pleased buyer. "That being said, the bulb and wax portion never stood up on its own. I had to end up supporting it in an empty pot for it to stay upright. Otherwise, very cool to watch."

Oh, and FYI: Patience is a virtue! "Upon arrival, they looked dried-out," heeded a final reviewer. "I wanted to give as gifts, but they looked like they were dying. I have had others in the past that started out looking better. I almost returned them, but decided to give them a chance. They did not disappoint! Four stars because of [the] initial appearance."

For a dollar more, this gold version is chock full of holiday cheer. 

$19 at Amazon

Believe it or not, florals that are even more foolproof exist...

Your recipient will enjoy building and admiring this 15-stemmed beauty, which is made up of roses, snapdragons, poppies, asters and daisies — don't forget a vase! 

$48 at Amazon
Explore More Buying Options
$62 at Staples$70 at Ace Hardware

If you have Amazon Prime, you’ll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.