I have forced paperwhites before in 2012 using water gel beads in a glass vase, I wanted to see the roots grow. I started it in Nov 2012 and the blooms showed up in Feb the following year. Just a little slow but they showed up. After that, I have planted them in my containers outdoors, they eventually go ratty and leaves die off as our hot summer ensues and they come back every Fall to winter here, since our winter is mild.
Have also used similar method with amaryllis bulbs, using a combination of hydroton rocks and water gel beads in a glass vase.. It is hit and miss with the blooms. I also have one in soil to compare which grows faster. Forced in soil seems faster. But I like the rocks and water gel beads in a vase since I like to see roots developing. So far, I have only maintained one still in the glass vase, more as on ongoing experiment. The other amaryllis I continue on in soil in containers.
