Amaryllis Care: Post-Bloom Guide for Year-Round Beauty

Amaryllis plants are known for their large, striking blooms and vibrant colors, making them a popular choice for indoor winter gardening. Once they’ve put on their show, though, many people are unsure how to care for them to encourage future blooms. Here’s a step-by-step guide to amaryllis care after flowering.

1. After the Flowers Fade: Deadheading

When the amaryllis bloom fades, cut off the flower stalk near its base, but leave the leaves intact. Deadheading (removing the spent flower) allows the plant to concentrate its energy on growth rather than seed production.

• Why keep the leaves? The leaves are essential for photosynthesis, which helps the amaryllis store nutrients in its bulb to support next year’s blooms.

2. Routine Care for a Healthy Bulb

Once the flowers are gone, your goal is to keep the amaryllis growing and healthy. Here’s what to do:

• Sunlight: Place your amaryllis in a sunny spot where it can receive at least 6 hours of indirect sunlight daily.
• Watering: Keep the soil lightly moist, allowing the top inch to dry out before watering again. Overwatering can cause root rot.
• Fertilizing: Feed with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season. This nutrient boost helps strengthen the bulb.

3. Moving Outdoors for Summer

In warmer months, amaryllis bulbs benefit from being moved outdoors. Here’s how to make the transition:

• Timing: Once the risk of frost has passed, you can move the plant outdoors.
• Sun Exposure: Start by placing it in a shaded area for a few days to let it adjust, then gradually move it to a spot with indirect sunlight or dappled shade.
• Watering and Fertilizing: Continue to water and fertilize, but watch for dry spells. Outdoor conditions may require more frequent watering, especially in hot weather.

4. Preparing for Dormancy: Fall Rest Period

To ensure a new round of blooms, amaryllis bulbs need a dormant period in the fall. Follow these steps to help your plant rest and recharge:

• Timing the Dormancy: Around September, stop watering and feeding. Let the soil dry out completely.
• Storage: Once the leaves have withered, cut them back to about 1-2 inches above the bulb. Then, move the amaryllis to a cool, dark place (like a basement or closet) where temperatures stay around 50-55°F.
• Dormancy Duration: Let the bulb rest for at least 8-10 weeks. This dormant period is crucial for encouraging future blooms.

5. Forcing Blooms: Reawakening the Bulb

After the dormancy period, you can start the process of “forcing” the amaryllis to bloom again.

• Replanting: Repot the bulb in fresh potting mix if necessary, with the top one-third of the bulb above the soil surface.
• Location: Place the pot in a sunny location and water it lightly to wake up the bulb.
• Growth to Bloom: Within 4-6 weeks, you should see new growth emerging. As the leaves and stalk grow, water more frequently and fertilize occasionally.

Common Issues and How to Troubleshoot

• No Blooms? If your amaryllis doesn’t bloom, it may not have had a sufficient dormancy period. Ensure the bulb rests in a cool, dark area for at least 8 weeks.
• Soft Bulb or Rotting? Overwatering or poor drainage may cause bulb rot. Be sure the soil drains well, and avoid excess water, especially during dormancy.

Year-Round Amaryllis Care Summary

Caring for an amaryllis may seem like a cycle of effort, but it’s rewarding when those spectacular blooms appear. Here’s a quick summary:

1. Post-Bloom: Deadhead spent flowers and keep the leaves.
2. Growing Season: Provide ample light, water, and fertilizer.
3. Summer Outdoors: Move outdoors, maintaining water and nutrients.
4. Fall Dormancy: Stop watering and move to a cool, dark area for 8-10 weeks.
5. Rebloom Preparation: Bring indoors, repot, water, and watch it bloom!

Amaryllis Available at Strader’s Garden Center

If you’re looking to bring an amaryllis into your home or gift one to a friend, Strader’s Garden Center offers a beautiful selection of amaryllis bulbs in a variety of colors. Visit Strader’s to pick up an amaryllis and enjoy the beauty of these magnificent blooms year after year!