Is It Worth Saving?
Yes, your holiday amaryllis bulb is absolutely worth saving! With proper care, amaryllis bulbs can bloom year after year for decades. These tropical plants are surprisingly easy to maintain once you understand their natural growth cycle, and watching them rebloom becomes more rewarding each season.
Understanding the Amaryllis Life Cycle
Amaryllis bulbs follow a predictable annual pattern that mimics their native South American climate. They go through distinct phases of active growth, dormancy, and reblooming. Understanding this cycle is key to successfully keeping your bulb healthy for years to come.
Post-Bloom Care (Late Winter to Spring)
Once your amaryllis finishes blooming, usually in late winter, cut off the flower stalk about 2 inches above the bulb. This prevents the plant from putting energy into seed production. However, keep all the leaves intact as they’re essential for photosynthesis and rebuilding the bulb’s energy reserves for next year’s bloom.
Place your amaryllis in a sunny window where it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Continue watering whenever the top inch of soil feels dry, and begin fertilizing every 2-3 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. This feeding schedule is crucial during the growing season as the bulb stores nutrients for future flowering.
Summer Growing Season
In late spring after the last frost, you can move your amaryllis outdoors to a partially shaded location. The fresh air and natural light will invigorate the plant. Gradually acclimate it to outdoor conditions over a week to prevent leaf burn. Continue your regular watering and fertilizing schedule throughout the summer months. The leaves may grow quite tall and lush during this period, which is exactly what you want.
Inducing Dormancy (Fall)
Around late August or early September, it’s time to prepare your amaryllis for dormancy. Stop fertilizing and gradually reduce watering. By late September or early October, stop watering completely. The leaves will naturally yellow and die back over the next few weeks. Once the foliage is completely brown and dried, cut it off about 2 inches above the bulb.
Move the potted bulb to a cool, dark, dry location such as a basement, garage, or closet. The ideal temperature for dormancy is between 50-55°F, though anywhere from 40-60°F works. The bulb needs this rest period of 8-12 weeks to prepare for reblooming. Don’t water at all during dormancy.
Preparing for Reblooming (Late Fall/Early Winter)
After 8-12 weeks of dormancy, typically in late November or early December, it’s time to wake up your amaryllis. Bring the pot back into a warm room with bright, indirect light. Check the bulb for any green shoots emerging from the top, which signals it’s ready to grow again.
Begin watering lightly at first, gradually increasing as growth appears. Once you see active growth, resume normal watering practices. You should see a flower stalk emerge within 4-8 weeks. Resume fertilizing once the flower stalk reaches about 6 inches tall.
Repotting Considerations
Amaryllis bulbs actually bloom better when slightly pot-bound, so you only need to repot every 3-4 years. When you do repot, choose a container that’s only 1-2 inches wider than the bulb. Use well-draining potting mix, and plant the bulb so that the top third to half is above the soil line. This prevents rot and allows you to monitor the bulb’s health.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your amaryllis doesn’t rebloom, the most common causes are insufficient dormancy period, inadequate light during the growing season, or lack of nutrients. Make sure the bulb receives its full rest period in cool, dark conditions and gets plenty of sun and regular feeding during active growth.
Red blotch, a fungal disease causing red streaking on leaves and bulbs, can be managed by removing affected leaves and avoiding overhead watering. If the bulb feels soft or mushy, it may have rotted from overwatering. Unfortunately, severely rotted bulbs cannot be saved.
The Bottom Line
Saving your amaryllis bulb is not only possible but also rewarding. With minimal effort following the natural growth cycle of growth, dormancy, and reblooming, you can enjoy spectacular flowers year after year. Many gardeners find that their bulbs produce even more impressive blooms in subsequent years as they mature and grow larger. The key is patience, consistent care during the growing season, and respecting the plant’s need for rest.