Caring for Amaryllis
Amaryllis plants are a show-stopper, known for their tall stems and vibrant blooms. Whether you’re coaxing your plant into blooming or preparing it for the next season, following the right steps will ensure success. This guide covers how to bring your potted amaryllis into bloom, extend its flowering period, and save the bulb for future blooms.
Caring for Your Amaryllis
Your bulb is already growing. Finding it a spot with bright light and warm temps will encourage it to start blooming if it isn’t already.
Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Avoid overwatering, especially before the stem grows 3–4 inches, as excess moisture can rot the bulb.
Turn the pot daily to prevent the stalk from leaning too heavily toward the light.
When it Blooms—How to Prolong the Show
When your amaryllis begins to bloom, follow these tips to enjoy the flowers for as long as possible:
Relocate the Pot:
Move the pot out of direct sunlight to slow the fading of the blooms.
Prune Faded Blooms:
As each flower fades, cut it off close to the stalk. This step encourages more blooms or even additional stems.
Remove Spent Stems:
Once all the buds on a stem have bloomed and faded, cut the stem back to about 2 inches above the bulb.
Avoid cutting off any green leaves, as they provide energy to the bulb for future growth.
Saving the Bulb for Next Year
After the blooming season ends, it’s time to prepare your amaryllis bulb for reblooming:
1. Post-Bloom Care (Spring and Summer)
Place the pot in your sunniest window and continue regular care:
Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Begin fertilizing monthly with a water-soluble fertilizer to nourish the bulb.
Around May, move the pot outdoors to a sunny spot. Full to part sun is ideal.
2. Prepare for Dormancy (Fall)
After the first frost, bring the pot inside and cut off all the leaves about 1 inch above the bulb.
Place the pot in a cool, dark location (50–60°F) for 8–10 weeks.
Do not water during this time! This dormant phase is crucial for the bulb to develop new flower buds.
3. Restart Growth (Winter)
After 8–10 weeks of dormancy, bring the pot back into a warm, bright spot and water sparingly.
Follow the steps under “Bringing Your Amaryllis into Bloom” to begin the cycle anew.
Helpful Tips for Long-Term Success
Size Matters: Encourage large, strong leaves during the growing season to help the bulb grow larger. Bigger bulbs produce more flowers.
Pot Size: Amaryllis bulbs bloom best when slightly pot-bound, so avoid repotting unless absolutely necessary.
Storage Tip: If storing bulbs out of the pot during dormancy, keep them in a cool, dry place, like a paper bag in the refrigerator. Avoid storing near fruits like apples, which emit ethylene gas that can damage bulbs.
Final Thoughts
Caring for an amaryllis is a rewarding process that brings vibrant color to your home during the colder months. With proper care, you can enjoy its dramatic blooms year after year. Be patient, follow the cycle of growth, bloom, and dormancy, and your amaryllis will thrive.
