Amaryllis Care: Keeping Your Flowers Thriving All Year

Planting and Initial Care

When growing amaryllis flowers, start with high-quality bulbs. The size of the bulb directly affects the size and number of blooms, so choose large, healthy bulbs for the best results.

Select the Right Pot: Choose a pot that is about 1-2 inches larger than the diameter of the bulb. Amaryllis bulbs prefer snug pots, which help them focus their energy on blooming.

Use Well-Draining Soil: Amaryllis bulbs are prone to rot if left in waterlogged soil, so choose a potting mix that drains well. A mix of peat, sand, and potting soil works well.

Plant the Bulb: Plant the bulb with about one-third of it exposed above the soil surface. Water lightly after planting to settle the soil.

Provide Proper Light: Place the potted bulb in a bright, indirect light. A sunny window is ideal. Amaryllis bulbs need warmth (around 70-75°F) to encourage growth.

Water Sparingly: Water the bulb sparingly until you see leaves or a flower stalk begin to emerge. Once growth starts, increase watering slightly, but allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.

Care During the Blooming Phase

Once the amaryllis begins to bloom, it will reward you with stunning flowers that last for several weeks. During this phase, proper care can help prolong the life of the blooms and encourage future growth.

Rotate the Pot: To ensure even growth and flowering, rotate the pot every few days. Amaryllis plants tend to grow toward the light, so rotating the pot keeps them upright and balanced.

Support the Stalks: Amaryllis flowers can grow tall and heavy, sometimes requiring support. Use stakes or decorative plant supports to prevent the flower stalks from toppling over.

Avoid Direct Sunlight: While amaryllis plants need bright light, direct sunlight can cause the flowers to fade more quickly. Keep them in indirect sunlight to prolong the bloom time.

Deadhead Faded Flowers: Once a flower fades, remove it to encourage the plant to direct its energy into producing new flowers or nourishing the bulb.

Post-Bloom Care

After the flowers fade, the amaryllis plant will shift its focus to leaf growth. These leaves are essential for the plant’s ability to store energy for the next bloom cycle. The better you care for your amaryllis during this stage, the more likely it will bloom again in the future.

Cut the Flower Stalk: Once all the flowers have faded, cut the flower stalk down to about 1 inch above the bulb. Be careful not to cut the leaves, as they are crucial for photosynthesis.

Continue Watering: Water the plant regularly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Do not overwater, as this can lead to root rot.

Fertilize: Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the leaf-growing phase. This will help the bulb store the energy it needs for future blooms.

Provide Plenty of Sunlight: Keep the plant in bright, indirect light during this phase. The leaves need ample sunlight to photosynthesize and store energy in the bulb.

Outdoor Growth (Optional): If the weather is warm enough (above 50°F at night), you can move the amaryllis outdoors to a sunny spot. This can help the leaves grow stronger and healthier.

Preparing for Dormancy

After about 2-3 months of active leaf growth, the amaryllis will begin to enter its dormancy phase. This is a natural part of the growth cycle, and proper dormancy care is essential for ensuring future blooms.

Reduce Watering: Gradually reduce watering as the leaves begin to yellow. Once the leaves have fully yellowed and withered, stop watering entirely.

Cut Back the Leaves: Once the leaves are completely dead, cut them back to about 1-2 inches above the bulb.

Move to a Cool, Dark Place: Place the plant in a cool, dark location, such as a basement or garage, where temperatures remain between 50-60°F. This mimics the natural dormant conditions the plant needs.

Let the Bulb Rest: The bulb will remain dormant for about 8-10 weeks. During this time, it doesn’t need light or water.

Getting Your Amaryllis to Bloom Again

After the dormancy period, you can reintroduce your amaryllis bulb to begin a new growth cycle. Follow these steps to bring your amaryllis back to life:

Repot (Optional): If your amaryllis has outgrown its pot or the soil looks depleted, repot the bulb in fresh soil. Choose a pot that’s about 1-2 inches wider than the bulb.

Place in a Bright Location: Move the pot to a bright, sunny spot to encourage new growth. Amaryllis plants need plenty of light to come out of dormancy.

Resume Watering: Begin watering the bulb lightly, increasing the frequency once new growth starts. Make sure the soil remains well-drained to avoid rot.

Fertilize: Begin fertilizing again as soon as new growth appears. This will help the plant build up energy reserves for blooming.

Common Problems and Solutions

Despite their relative ease of care, amaryllis plants can sometimes encounter issues. Here are a few common problems and how to address them:

No Blooms: If your amaryllis fails to bloom, it may not have stored enough energy during the previous growing season. Ensure that the plant gets plenty of sunlight and fertilization during the leaf growth phase.

Yellow Leaves: Yellowing leaves are normal as the plant enters dormancy. However, if the leaves yellow prematurely, it may be due to overwatering or insufficient light.

Rotting Bulb: A rotting bulb is usually caused by overwatering or poor drainage. Make sure your potting soil is well-draining and avoid letting the bulb sit in water.

Toxicity

Amaryllis is toxic to pets, including cats and dogs, due to compounds like lycorine. Ingestion can cause vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Severe cases may result in tremors, seizures, low blood pressure, or cardiac arrhythmias. The bulb is particularly dangerous, containing higher concentrations of toxins.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I put amaryllis in the dark?

You should put your amaryllis in the dark after the leaves have naturally yellowed and died back, signaling the plant’s readiness for dormancy. This typically happens 2-3 months after blooming. At this point, move the bulb to a cool, dark place (50-60°F) for about 8-10 weeks to encourage dormancy and prepare the plant for future blooming.

Can you keep amaryllis bulbs for the following year?

Yes, you can keep amaryllis bulbs for the following year. With proper care, including providing sunlight and water during the growth phase and allowing a period of dormancy, the bulb can rebloom year after year. After dormancy, reintroduce the bulb to light and water to encourage new growth.

Can you leave amaryllis in pots?

Yes, you can leave amaryllis in pots year-round. Just ensure proper care, including repotting if the plant outgrows its container. After the bloom phase, maintain the leaves to help store energy in the bulb, and once dormant, you can leave the bulb in the pot during storage.

What do you do with amaryllis in the summer?

During the summer, you can move your amaryllis outdoors once temperatures stay above 50°F at night. Place it in a sunny spot to allow the leaves to grow and help the bulb store energy for the next blooming cycle. Continue regular watering and fertilizing until it’s time for dormancy in the fall.