what to do with an amaryllis after it blooms

3 min read 15-04-2025

what to do with an amaryllis after it blooms

Meta Description: Learn how to care for your amaryllis after blooming! This comprehensive guide covers everything from watering and fertilizing to encouraging rebloom and storing bulbs for next year. Keep your amaryllis thriving long after its stunning flowers fade.

Enjoying Your Amaryllis Beyond the Blooms

The vibrant, trumpet-shaped blooms of an amaryllis are a breathtaking sight. But what happens after those gorgeous flowers fade? Don't let the show end there! With proper care, you can enjoy your amaryllis for years to come. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to keep your amaryllis healthy and encourage it to rebloom.

Post-Bloom Care: Watering and Feeding

What to Do After Flowering: Once the amaryllis flowers have completely withered, cut the flower stalk down to the base of the plant. Don't worry, this won't harm the bulb.

Watering: Reduce watering significantly. Allow the soil to dry out almost completely between waterings. Overwatering at this stage can lead to rot.
Fertilizing: Stop fertilizing. Your amaryllis doesn't need extra nutrients while it's resting.

Maintaining the Foliage: The green leaves are vital; they provide energy for the bulb. Keep the amaryllis in a sunny location to encourage strong leaf growth. Continue watering sparingly, enough to keep the soil slightly moist.

Encouraging Rebloom: A Step-by-Step Guide

While some amaryllis may rebloom in the same year, it's more common for them to require a period of dormancy.

Step 1: Gradually Reduce Watering and Light: As fall approaches, gradually reduce watering. Less sunlight will also naturally reduce growth.

Step 2: Allow the Foliage to Die Back: Don't force the process, but allow the leaves to naturally yellow and die back. This signals the plant's entry into dormancy.

Step 3: Prepare for Dormancy: Once the leaves are completely withered, carefully cut them away from the base of the plant. Store the bulb in a cool, dark, and dry place for 6-8 weeks.

Step 4: Repot and Re-emerge: After the dormancy period, inspect the bulb. Repot the bulb in fresh, well-draining potting mix. Water it lightly and place it in a bright location, but avoid direct sunlight initially. Gradually increase watering as new growth appears. With consistent care and the right conditions, your amaryllis should produce stunning blooms again.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Q: My Amaryllis Leaves are Yellowing. What Should I Do?

A: Yellowing leaves can be due to several factors, including overwatering, underwatering, or insufficient sunlight. Check the soil moisture, adjust watering accordingly, and ensure the plant receives adequate light. If the yellowing is severe, it might signal a problem with the bulb.

Q: My Amaryllis Didn't Rebloom. Why?

A: Several reasons can prevent reblooming: insufficient dormancy, improper watering, nutrient deficiencies, or a diseased bulb. Ensure your amaryllis receives a proper dormancy period, provides enough sunlight and water, and repots with fresh soil. Also, consider checking for pests and diseases.

Q: How often should I repot my Amaryllis?

A: Repotting is typically needed every 1-2 years, or when the pot becomes root-bound. Use a pot only slightly larger than the previous one, as overly large pots can hinder reblooming.

Storing Your Amaryllis Bulb

Proper storage is key to successful reblooming.

Choose a cool, dark, and dry location. A basement or garage often works well.
Ensure the bulb is dry before storing. Remove any remaining soil and allow it to dry completely.
Check the bulb periodically. Make sure it isn't rotting or developing mold.

Conclusion: A Long-lasting Relationship with Your Amaryllis

With a little patience and care, your amaryllis can reward you with beautiful blooms year after year. Remember the key steps: reduce watering after flowering, allow for dormancy, and provide the right conditions for reblooming. By following this guide, you can enjoy the stunning beauty of your amaryllis long after its initial flowering. Happy gardening!