Knowing how to treat an amaryllis after flowering is important, and will allow you to enjoy them for many years to come. In this post, I’ll tell you all you need to know in order to keep them once they’re done blooming, and give you tons of aftercare tips.
The big winter blooms of an amaryllis makes it a popular holiday gift, but what do you do after the flowers fade?
The tips in this guide will help you learn exactly what to do with an amaryllis after blooming (hint: you don’t have to throw it away!).
Everything about their aftercare is included right here, from deadheading the flowers, to how to properly feed and water them, and more.
Can You Keep An Amaryllis After Flowering?
Yes you can keep an amaryllis after flowering. Instead of tossing them out, you can save the bulb after the blooms have faded, even ones covered in wax.
In face, by taking the proper steps to care for it, you can enjoy the flowers again year after year.
What Do You Do With Amaryllis Bulbs After They Bloom?
What you do with an amaryllis bulb after the flowers have faded depends on how you received or purchased it.
If it’s in soil you can keep it that way. Otherwise, if it’s encased in wax, simply remove the coating and pot it up.
After that, you can tend to the bulb and foliage of both kinds in the same way using my tips below.
How To Keep Amaryllis Bulbs After Flowering
You can learn all the details of their care here, but you’ll find specific steps below that will help you tend to an amaryllis in the period after blooming.
1. Allow The Blooms To Fade
As your amaryllis approaches the end of its flowering period, the blooms will naturally begin to fade.
You’ll see discolored, drooping, limp petals, and eventually the flower stalk will start to turn yellow and shrivel. This is totally normal, and nothing to worry about.
2. Cut Off The Dead Flowers
As each one dies, deadhead the individual flowers by snipping them off using sharp, sterile precision pruners, but keep the stem intact.
Removing the dead blossoms will encourage more to open, and also allow the bulb to save the energy it would have spent on seed formation.
As long as it’s green, the main stem will continue to absorb light and provide nutrients to the bulb. Once it turns yellow, cut it down to ½ to 1 inch above the top of the bulb.
3. Keep The Leaves On
It’s also important to keep the leaves on the plant. Those are necessary for the bulb to restore enough energy to survive another year.
So be careful not to damage or remove any of the leaves as you cut back the dead flower spike.
4. Give It Lots Of Light
Once it’s done blooming, move your flowerless amaryllis to a sunny window that will provide 6 or more hours of light per day. The brighter it is, the better.
Add a grow light to supplement if you have trouble finding the right spot, or if you home is too dark.
5. Water Consistently
Extended periods of drought will cause dormancy, so be sure to water it consistently.
Be careful though, the bulbs are prone to overwatering, which can easily cause rot. So wait until the soil feels dry 1-2” deep before giving it another drink.
A moisture gauge can be a very handy tool that will help you keep them at the perfect level.
6. Feed It
In late winter or early spring, start applying a liquid high-phosphorus fertilizer every 2 weeks. You can also use slow-release granules once a month.
Regular feeding is essential to help the amaryllis restore the nutrients after blooming. If you want it to flower again next year, follow the proper reblooming steps here.
FAQs
Here I’ve answered some of the most commonly asked questions about caring for an amaryllis after blooming. If yours isn’t on the list, please add it to the comments section below.
Should I cut my amaryllis back after it blooms?
Yes you should cut back your amaryllis back after it blooms, but only the flowers. Deadhead them once they have faded completely, and wait until the stem turns yellow and dies before removing it.
Should I cut off dead amaryllis flowers?
Yes, you should cut off dead amaryllis flowers to prevent them from setting seed. This will help the bulb retain the energy it would have expelled during that process.
Should I cut the leaves off my amaryllis when it’s done blooming?
No, do not cut the leaves off of your amaryllis when it’s done blooming. It’s very important to keep the foliage intact so the bulb can absorb energy, and replenish the nutrients it lost during flowering.
Now that you know the specific steps to take after your amaryllis has finished blooming, you’ll be able to keep it instead of throwing it away.
If you want to learn how to maintain beautiful houseplants year round, then you need a copy of my Winter Houseplant Care eBook. It will show you exactly how to keep all of your indoor plants thriving. Download your copy today!
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Share your tips for what to do with amaryllis after it blooms in the comments section below.
Amy Andrychowicz
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