Amaryllis bulbs produce gorgeous, trumpet-shaped flowers that brighten up any space during the winter months Their impressive blooms and ease of care make amaryllis popular gifts and holiday decorations But what do you do with the bulb after it finishes flowering? With proper aftercare, amaryllis bulbs can rebloom year after year. This article will walk you through the steps for post-bloom amaryllis bulb care so you can enjoy flowers again next season.
Remove Faded Blooms and Let the Leaves Photosynthesize
Once the flowers fade, promptly remove them to prevent the plant from putting energy into forming seed pods. Snip off wilted blooms right above the flower stalk. Leave any remaining flowers on the stalk until they wither as well. The stalk itself contains chlorophyll and can photosynthesize like the leaves, helping feed the bulb. Allow the stalk to naturally yellow and die back before cutting it off 1-2 inches above the bulb.
After deadheading, move the amaryllis to a sunny spot. Keep it indoors near a bright window or place it outside once temperatures are consistently above 50°F. The strap-like leaves will continue to grow, fueling the bulb through photosynthesis. Water when the top few inches of soil become dry and fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a balanced houseplant fertilizer. Let the foliage grow until it starts yellowing in late summer.
Give the Bulb a Summer Vacation
Amaryllis bulbs originally come from tropical regions and do best with summer relocation outdoors Once the weather has warmed up, you can move your potted amaryllis to a partly shaded spot outside Alternatively, remove it from the pot and plant the bulb directly in the ground, burying it two-thirds deep.
Outdoor amaryllis appreciate light rain and monthly fertilizing. Bring the bulb back inside before nighttime temperatures dip below 50°F in early fall. The bulb prefers being slightly pot-bound, so only repot in a container one size larger if roots are crowded.
Trigger Dormancy for Reblooming
Amaryllis bulbs require a period of dormancy before they will reflower. There are two approaches to inducing dormancy – forcing the plant to rest or allowing its natural cycle to occur.
To time blooms for the holidays, stop watering and fertilizing 8-10 weeks prior. Move the plant to a cool (55°-60°F), dark location. Once leaves yellow, cut them back to 1-2 inches above the top of the bulb.
For natural dormancy, provide bright light and reduce water and fertilizer starting in fall. Store at 50°-60°F and allow leaves to die back and bulb to enter rest phase.
Regrow Foliage and Bloom Stalks
After a minimum of 6 weeks, “wake up” dormant bulbs by resuming water, light, and warm temperatures of 70°-75°F. Repot in fresh soil if needed. New leaves and flower stalks will emerge after several weeks. Place in a sunny window and fertilize regularly to encourage reblooming.
For bulbs on a natural schedule, growth will resume on its own within a couple months. Move to warmer conditions once you see new leaves. As with forced bulbs, provide ample light and nutrition to support reflowering.
Ongoing Care for Repeat Blooms
With proper post-bloom treatment, amaryllis bulbs can flower year after year. After rebloom, remove faded flowers so they don’t form seeds. Allow the stalks to yellow before removing. Grow the leaves through summer, give the bulb a rest period in fall, and regrow for winter blooms. Stake tall stems for support and rotate pots regularly to prevent uneven growth. Repot only when roots are crowded. Discard bulbs that become soft or diseased. With attentive aftercare, you can enjoy amaryllis flowers for many seasons!
Question: What should I do with my amaryllis after it is done blooming?
Some individuals discard their amaryllis after it is done blooming. However, it’s possible to save the amaryllis and force it to flower again next year.
Proper cultural practices must be followed to successfully grow and reflower amaryllis bulbs. After the flowers fade, cut off the flower stalk with a sharp knife or pruners. Make the cut 1 to 2 inches above the bulb. Dont damage the foliage. In order for the bulb to bloom again next season, the plant must replenish its depleted food reserves. The strap-like leaves 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 dilute fertilizer solution.
Amaryllis Done Blooming? Here’s What to Do // Garden Answer
FAQ
What do you do with an amaryllis bulb after it has bloomed?
Clean the bulb and place it in a cool (40-50 deg. F), dark place such as the crisper of your refrigerator for a minimum of 6 weeks.
Can you leave amaryllis bulbs in the ground all year?
These tropical bulbs may be planted in the ground or in pots, and be left outdoors year-round. You can look forward to an impressive display of flowers in your garden each spring. And, if you wish, you may cut the stems and bring the flowers indoors to create a dramatic bouquet that lasts for weeks.
Can amaryllis bulbs be saved from year to year?
With these tips, you can reinvigorate the bulbs during the summer, let them rest in the fall, and see them flower again in the winter. Amaryllis can rebloom for years if you give them the right TLC.