What to Do with Amaryllis After It Blooms: A Complete Guide

Amaryllis plants are prized for their stunning, trumpet-shaped flowers, but what happens after the blooms fade? Once your amaryllis has finished blooming, it’s essential to care for it properly to ensure healthy growth and vibrant flowers in future seasons. The key is to focus on maintaining the plant’s leaves and storing the bulb correctly.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the steps to care for your amaryllis after blooming, including tips on watering, fertilizing, and preparing it for dormancy.

Step 1: Remove Spent Blooms

Once the flowers fade, cut off the flower stalk about 1-2 inches above the bulb. This prevents the plant from wasting energy on seed production and redirects nutrients to the bulb. Be careful not to cut the leaves, as they play a vital role in replenishing the bulb’s energy reserves.

Step 2: Care for the Leaves

The leaves are the amaryllis bulb’s powerhouse. Keep them healthy by:

  • Sunlight: Place the plant in a bright, indirect sunlight location to allow the leaves to photosynthesize and store energy. Outdoors in partial shade is ideal during the warmer months.
  • Watering: Water regularly, keeping the soil slightly moist but not soggy. Avoid letting the bulb sit in water, as this can cause rot.
  • Fertilizing: Feed the plant every 2-4 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) to support leaf growth and bulb nourishment.

Step 3: Move the Plant Outdoors (Optional)

If temperatures allow, move the amaryllis outdoors after the last frost. This gives it access to more sunlight and fresh air. Gradually acclimate the plant to outdoor conditions to avoid leaf scorching.

Step 4: Prepare for Dormancy

Amaryllis bulbs require a rest period to bloom again. Around late summer or early fall, begin preparing the plant for dormancy:

  1. Stop Watering and Fertilizing: Gradually reduce watering and stop fertilizing to allow the leaves to yellow and wither naturally.
  2. Trim Dead Leaves: Once the leaves have completely dried, cut them off about 1-2 inches above the bulb.
  3. Store the Bulb: Remove the bulb from the soil or keep it in the pot. Store it in a cool, dark, and dry location (like a basement or garage) for 8-12 weeks. Ideal temperatures are around 50-55°F (10-13°C).

Step 5: Replant and Re-Bloom

After the dormancy period, you can prepare your amaryllis for blooming again:

  • Replant the Bulb: If you removed the bulb from the pot, repot it in fresh, well-draining soil with the top third of the bulb exposed.
  • Water Sparingly: Start watering lightly until you see new growth, then increase watering as the leaves and flower stalk emerge.

Conclusion

Caring for an amaryllis after it blooms is straightforward with a little patience and attention. By nourishing the bulb, allowing a dormancy period, and following proper replanting techniques, you can enjoy its stunning flowers year after year. With this guide, your amaryllis will thrive and reward you with brilliant blooms for seasons to come.

Happy gardening! 🌸