What to Do With Amaryllis After It Blooms: Expert Tips for PostBloom Care

What to Do With Amaryllis After It Blooms?

After an amaryllis blooms, it is important to cut off the flower stalks without damaging the foliage.

To continue caring for the amaryllis, it should be watered regularly and given bright light.

After the last frost, the amaryllis can be moved outdoors and planted in a well-drained area with the bulb poking out above the soil.

The plant should be located in full sun to part shade and watered sparingly to avoid rot.

Fertilize with time-release granules in late spring and summer.

If temperatures unexpectedly drop, bring potted plants indoors.

To encourage reblooming, allow the amaryllis bulbs to go dormant for 2-4 months in late summer to early fall by keeping them in a cool place with a temperature of around 55 degrees.

During its dormant state, the bulb should not be watered.

Once the bulb starts sprouting, it should be moved to a warm, sunny location in preparation for the next blooming season.

If you want to save the amaryllis bulb for the next season, dig it up after the foliage has completely died back and store it in a dark, cool space for at least two months.

Plant the bulb in a pot with adequate drainage, leaving about a third of the bulb exposed.

Place the pot in a warm, sunny area indoors and keep the soil barely moist.

It can take 4-12 weeks for the bulb to sprout and an additional 3-6 weeks for blooms to appear.

Key Points:

  • After amaryllis blooms, cut off flower stalks without damaging foliage.
  • Water amaryllis regularly and provide bright light.
  • Move amaryllis outdoors after last frost and plant in well-drained area, bulb poking above soil.
  • Locate plant in full sun to part shade and water sparingly to prevent rot.
  • Fertilize with time-release granules in late spring and summer.
  • Bring potted plants indoors if temperatures unexpectedly drop.

Did You Know?

1. Amaryllis bulbs can be stored and reused for future blooms. After the plant has finished blooming, cut off the flower stalk but allow the leaves to continue growing. Place the potted plant in a sunny spot and continue watering and fertilizing regularly. In late summer, stop watering and allow the leaves to die back naturally. Store the bulb in a cool, dark place for at least 6 weeks before planting it again.

2. When amaryllis bulbs go dormant, they can withstand freezing temperatures. If you live in a region with cold winters, you can actually plant your dormancy-bound amaryllis bulb directly in the ground for a beautiful outdoor display. Just make sure to plant it at a depth of about 10 inches and protect it with mulch during extremely cold weather.

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3. Amaryllis flowers are classified as “lily-like” in appearance, but they are actually not true lilies. They belong to the Amaryllidaceae family and are native to South and Central America. The impressive blooms can range in colors from vibrant reds and pinks to whites, oranges, and even striped or speckled patterns.

4. Amaryllis bulbs are often associated with Christmas and winter holidays, as they are forced to bloom indoors during this time. However, their natural bloom time can vary based on the specific variety and growing conditions. Some amaryllis varieties naturally bloom in spring or early summer, making them a versatile and exciting addition to any garden.

5. Amaryllis bulbs contain a substance called lycorine, which is toxic if ingested in large quantities. It is important to keep these bulbs out of reach of pets and children. If any part of the bulb is ingested, it may cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. While not a major concern when handled properly, it is always recommended to exercise caution and practice good gardening safety.

Amaryllis Care After Blooming

After your amaryllis has finished blooming, it is essential to cut off the flower stalks, also known as scapes. This practice diverts the plant’s energy from producing flowers towards storing energy in the bulb for the next blooming cycle. However, the care does not stop there. To maintain the vitality of your amaryllis, continue to water it regularly and provide bright light. This will help support the growth of new leaves and ensure a healthy bulb for future blooms.

  • Cut off the flower stalks (scapes) after blooming to divert energy towards bulb growth.
  • Water the amaryllis regularly to support leaf growth.
  • Provide bright light to ensure a healthy bulb.

Remember to care for your amaryllis even after the holiday season is over.

Moving Amaryllis Outdoors

Once the threat of frost has passed in your area, it is safe to move your amaryllis outdoors. To properly transition your amaryllis, select a well-drained area in your garden with the bulb poking out slightly above the soil surface. This will help prevent the bulb from rotting. After planting, water the amaryllis thoroughly, allowing the soil to absorb the moisture.

When choosing the outdoor location for your amaryllis, keep in mind that these plants thrive in full sun to part shade. However, in areas with hot summers, it is essential to provide afternoon protection from the intense sun. Additionally, remember to water your amaryllis sparingly to avoid rot. Potted amaryllises may require slightly more water than those planted directly in the ground.

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Dormancy And Reblooming Tips

To encourage the reblooming of your amaryllis, it is crucial to allow the bulbs to go dormant. This dormant period generally occurs in late summer to early fall and lasts for about 2-4 months. During this time, it is recommended to keep the amaryllis bulbs in a cool place, such as a garage, with a temperature around 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

While amaryllis bulbs are dormant, it is important to withhold watering, regardless of whether they are planted inside or outside. It is only after the bulbs start sprouting that watering should be resumed. Once new growth appears, it is necessary to move the amaryllis to a warm, sunny location to prepare it for the next blooming season.

Storing Amaryllis Bulbs

If you want to save your amaryllis bulbs for the next season, it’s important to follow the proper storage procedures. Once the foliage of your amaryllis has completely died back, you can dig up the bulb if it is planted in the ground. Store the bulb in a dark, cool space for at least two months to allow it to go through its dormant phase.

When you are ready to replant the bulb, choose a pot with adequate drainage and plant it, leaving about a third of the bulb exposed. Place the pot in a warm, sunny area indoors and keep the soil barely moist. It may take 4-12 weeks for the bulb to sprout, and an additional 3-6 weeks for the trumpet-shaped blooms to appear. With proper care, amaryllis bulbs can be encouraged to re-bloom, providing a stunning display year after year.

Amaryllis Care For Holiday Gifts

Amaryllis bulbs, with their striking blooms, are ideal holiday gifts. Whether received wrapped in paper or wax-dipped, proper care is crucial for their well-being and potential reblooming.

Wrapped amaryllis bulbs should be treated like any other bulb. After the holiday season, follow the care instructions mentioned earlier in this article. By providing the right conditions and following the recommended care routine, the bulb can continue to thrive and bring beauty for many seasons.

Wax-dipped amaryllis bulbs, while beautiful and convenient, will not rebloom. These bulbs do not require watering or potting. Instead, the wax acts as a protective coating, sealing in moisture. So, enjoy the beauty of a wax-dipped bulb for the season, but do not expect it to rebloom in the future.

Amaryllises are stunning blooming houseplants that deserve proper care and attention. By following the guidelines provided, you can confidently care for your amaryllis after it blooms, transition it outdoors, encourage reblooming, store bulbs for the next season, and ensure the health of amaryllises gifted during the holiday season. With each passing season, your amaryllis plant will continue to dazzle with vibrant and captivating blooms, becoming a cherished addition to your garden or indoor plant collection.


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Frequently Asked Questions

What do I do when my amaryllis has finished flowering?

Once your amaryllis has finished flowering, it is important to give it proper after-bloom care. Start by removing the old flowers from the stem and cutting back the stem to the top of the bulb when it begins to sag. To ensure healthy leaf growth and development, continue watering and fertilizing as normal throughout the summer or for a period of 5-6 months. This will allow the leaves to fully develop and grow, promoting a strong and vibrant plant.

How do I keep my amaryllis bulb for next year?

To keep your amaryllis bulb for next year, it is essential to store it in a cool, dry, and dark environment. An ideal option would be to place it in an unheated but attached garage, basement, or even in the crisper of a refrigerator. However, be cautious not to store the bulb in a fridge with apples as this can have a sterilizing effect on the bulbs. Maintaining a temperature between 50 and 55 Fahrenheit for a period of eight to 12 weeks will provide the bulb with the necessary dormant period to ensure its successful growth in the following year.

What to do with amaryllis bulbs in pots after flowering?

After your amaryllis bulbs have finished blooming, they require a period of dormancy to replenish their energy for future growth. To initiate this dormancy period, gradually reduce watering and stop fertilizing the plant. Place it in a cool and dimly lit area, such as a basement or garage, for about two to three months. During this time, allow the foliage to die back naturally. Once the dormancy period is over, you can repot the bulbs in fresh soil and resume its regular care routine to encourage new growth and ensure a repeat bloom next season.

Can an amaryllis bulb be reused?

Yes, an amaryllis bulb can be reused and encouraged to bloom again the next year. By providing the bulb with proper care and attention throughout the summer, allowing it to rest during the fall, and ensuring it has the right conditions in the winter, you can witness its beautiful blossoms once more. With the right tender loving care, amaryllis bulbs can continue to rebloom for many years, adding a touch of elegance and beauty to your indoor space.

References: 1, 2, 3, 4

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