What to Do with Amaryllis After It Blooms

What to Do Immediately After Blooming

Once the amaryllis flowers fade and wither, many people are tempted to discard the plant. However, post-bloom care is the first step in ensuring that the plant blooms again in the next season. Here’s what you should do immediately after your amaryllis finishes blooming:

Remove the Spent Flowers

• Why: Removing the dead flowers helps the plant conserve energy and prevent it from putting effort into seed production.
• How: Use clean, sharp scissors or pruners to carefully snip off the faded flowers, but leave the green flower stalk intact for now. The flower stalk will continue to photosynthesize and contribute energy to the bulb.

Leave the Flower Stalk Intact (Temporarily)

• Why: The flower stalk is still capable of photosynthesis, which helps nourish the bulb.
• How: Let the stalk remain until it begins to yellow and wilt naturally. Once it has turned yellow, cut it back to about 1 inch above the bulb.

Encouraging Leaf Growth After Blooming

Once the flowers are gone, your amaryllis plant will shift its energy toward growing leaves. These leaves are critical for photosynthesis, which allows the bulb to store the nutrients it needs for future blooming. Here’s how to care for your amaryllis during this phase:

Provide Adequate Light

• Why: Amaryllis leaves need plenty of sunlight to generate energy for the bulb.
• How: Place your plant in a bright location where it can receive indirect sunlight for at least 6 hours a day. A sunny windowsill or spot near a bright window is ideal.

Watering and Fertilization

• Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid overwatering, as this can cause root rot. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
• Fertilization: To help the bulb store energy, feed the plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) every 2-4 weeks during the growing season. This will provide essential nutrients that support healthy leaf growth.

Outdoor Care (Optional)

• Why: If the weather permits, moving your amaryllis outdoors can provide it with additional sunlight and fresh air.
• How: Once nighttime temperatures remain above 50°F (10°C), you can move your plant outside to a sunny, sheltered spot. Continue regular watering and fertilization, and make sure to gradually acclimate the plant to outdoor conditions by exposing it to direct sunlight for short periods before increasing exposure.

Preparing for Dormancy

After several months of leaf growth and energy storage, the amaryllis will enter a dormant phase. This period of rest is essential for future blooming. Dormancy typically lasts for about 8-10 weeks.

Recognizing the Start of Dormancy

• Why: Amaryllis plants naturally enter dormancy once they’ve stored enough energy. Signs that dormancy is approaching include yellowing leaves and slower growth.
• How: Gradually reduce watering as the leaves begin to yellow. Once the leaves have turned completely yellow or brown, you can stop watering entirely.

Cutting Back the Leaves

• Why: Once the leaves have withered, they are no longer useful for the plant.
• How: Using clean, sharp scissors or pruners, cut the leaves back to about 1-2 inches above the bulb. Be careful not to damage the bulb while cutting.

Moving the Bulb to a Cool, Dark Place

• Why: During dormancy, the bulb needs to rest in a cool, dark environment to prepare for the next blooming cycle.
• How: Place the potted bulb or a bare bulb (if removed from the pot) in a cool, dark location, such as a basement, garage, or closet. The temperature should remain between 50-60°F (10-15°C). Allow the bulb to rest for 8-10 weeks without watering or exposure to light.

Waking Up Your Amaryllis for Vibrant Blooms

After the dormancy period, your amaryllis bulb will be ready to start a new growth cycle. The process of reintroducing your plant to light and water is simple, but it requires attention to detail.

Repotting (If Necessary)

• Why: Amaryllis bulbs can thrive in the same pot for a few years, but they may need repotting if the soil has degraded or if the bulb has outgrown its container.
• How: If repotting is necessary, choose a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the bulb. Use a well-draining potting mix, and plant the bulb so that about one-third of it is exposed above the soil.

Place the Bulb in Bright Light

• Why: Exposure to light helps kickstart the growth process.
• How: Move the pot to a sunny spot where it can receive indirect sunlight. If the bulb was stored bare, plant it in a pot before placing it in the light.

Resume Watering

• Why: Watering helps rehydrate the bulb and encourages growth.
• How: Begin watering lightly when you see new shoots emerging. Gradually increase watering as the leaves and flower stalk develop, but avoid overwatering.

Fertilization

• Why: Fertilizing your amaryllis during its growth phase ensures that the plant has enough nutrients for both leaf and flower development.
• How: Start fertilizing with a balanced fertilizer once the leaves begin to grow again, following the same feeding schedule as before (every 4-6 weeks).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Caring for amaryllis after it blooms is relatively straightforward, but there are some common mistakes that can hinder the plant’s ability to thrive and bloom again:

Cutting the Leaves Too Early: The leaves are essential for storing energy, so cutting them before they’ve yellowed naturally can reduce the bulb’s strength.

Overwatering During Dormancy: Watering the bulb during dormancy can lead to root rot and decay. It’s important to stop watering entirely once the leaves have died back.

Skipping the Dormancy Phase: Some people try to skip dormancy in hopes of encouraging more frequent blooms, but this can exhaust the bulb and reduce future flowering.

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

Does Amaryllis Come Back Every Year?

Yes, with proper care, amaryllis can come back and bloom every year. After flowering, the bulb stores energy through its leaves, then goes through a dormant phase, and with the right conditions (light, water, and temperature), it will rebloom annually.

What Triggers an Amaryllis to Bloom?

Amaryllis blooms are triggered by a combination of environmental factors, including proper light exposure, a period of dormancy, and regulated watering. The bulb needs to store enough energy through its leaves before dormancy, and after a cool, dark rest period, reintroducing light and water stimulates new growth and flowering.

Do Amaryllis Multiply?

Yes, amaryllis bulbs can multiply by producing “offsets” or small bulbs alongside the main bulb. These offsets can be separated and grown individually once they mature, allowing you to propagate new plants over time. It may take a couple of years for the new bulbs to mature and flower.