We are well into the Amaryllis bloom season at this point in time. Some of our Amaryllis bulbs began blooming between Thanksgiving and Christmas. We have had continuous blossoms since then and the last of our Amaryllis are beginning to bloom right now. It won’t be long until they are completely done.
So, now what? What do you do with an Amaryllis once it’s done blooming?
There is no state law requiring you to keep it. Many people simply toss them out once they’re finished. However, if you follow just a few simple steps, your Amaryllis can be coaxed into blooming again next year. A lot of the bulbs we gave away during the Christmas season are now being returned to us for re-blooming.
The first step is to cut off the flower stalk after the flowers have withered. Then just simply treat the remaining plant just like a houseplant. Keep the soil somewhat moist and fertilize it once a month with soluble house plant fertilizer. The main idea is to keep it growing, the more vigorous the growth, the more spectacular the subsequent flowering.
Over Memorial Day weekend, (mark it on your calender) set the plant outside in a brightly lit spot. Dappled shade will do nicely. Don’t let it get sunburned . You can leave it right in its pot if you like and re-pot every three years or so. Or you can do as we do and plant the bulb into a garden bed. Keep up the fertilizing and watering regimen.
Some time around Labor Day, your Amaryllis will start to turn yellow. This is normal. The yellowing is an indication the the plant wants to rest and go into a dormant period. Stop watering it at that point and let the leaves die back. Cut the withered leaves to about an inch above the bulb in the neck region.
The dormant bulb needs to be placed in a dry area (no water at all) for about 8-10 weeks. Be sure they don’t freeze.
Sometime around Thanksgiving you can wake up your Amaryllis bulb by placing them into a bright spot and giving it some water. It will re-sprout its leaves and bloom again.
With all that being said, I have seen Amaryllis re-bloom again without all of these steps being adhered to exactly. I have found that as long as the bulb has made some growth (or at least has not lost size) it will more than likely blossom again.
So Phyllis, why not keep that Amaryllis? It really will make a nice houseplant.
Bob