What to Do With Amaryllis After Blooming

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What to Do After Your Amaryllis Blooms: A Guide to Post-Flowering Care

Got Amaryllis, have you ever wondered what to do with an Amaryllis after blooming to get it to bloom again? Or just how to care for it?

Amaryllis plants are known for their stunning trumpet-shaped blooms, which can brighten up any indoor space during the dark winter months.

However, once the trumpet-shaped flowers have faded, many wonder what steps to take to ensure their amaryllis continues to live on to bloom another day.

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In this simple guide, I’ll walk you through easy post-blooming care tips to help your amaryllis remain healthy and how to get it to rebloom in the same season!

These simple steps will help you get the best results.

Amaryllis is a tropical plant, originating from the tropical and subtropical regions of South America. Knowing where a plant comes from can help us discern what conditions it may prefer.

So you have enjoyed your amaryllis blooms through the winter weeks, now what?

Deadheading the Flowers

As the amaryllis flowers fade, it’s important to deadhead them promptly. This prevents seed formation which will draw energy from the bulb rather than replenish it.

 For me, each flower seems to fade in succession and I nip each one as it starts to look spent. Cut the faded flower off where it emerges from the stem. (I share how in the video at the end of this post)

Wait until the flower stalk starts turning yellow before removing it. The flower stalk, similar to leaves, can perform photosynthesis to produce and store energy for future flower growth.

When it is time to remove it, cut it about 1 inch from the top of the bulb. It is ready to be removed when it has turned brown.

Keep the leaves of your amaryllis, just like you would with tulips and daffodils. The green leaves and stalk play an important role in generating energy/food, ensuring the plants can bloom again.

Amaryllis After Bloom Care

After blooming, your amaryllis enters a rest period. During this period, water only enough to keep the bulb moist. Allow the soil surface to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.

I have found this moisture meter invaluable for gauging the moisture levels of my houseplant soil. It has saved many a plant in my home.

Place the plant in a bright, sunny location but make sure it is indirect light, near a sunny southern exposure is ideal.  Be careful of direct sunlight, it may get too hot.

This will help it gather energy for the next year. Until the weather warms up outside treat your amaryllis as a lovely indoor plant. 

You can also force another blooming cycle sooner but more on that later.

Summer Vacation Outside

Once the danger of frost is past I like to place my amaryllis outside, a sunny window can only provide so much energy. At first, keep it in filtered sun then you can gradually place it in full sun. 6 hours a day is ideal. 

I place them in my cool dark basement in late summer so they will bloom in November and December. If your first frost is before that date then bring them in by early September.

Give them 8 to 12 weeks in a cool, dark environment.

Fertilizing

Amaryllis benefit from regular feeding, especially after they’ve bloomed. Use a water-soluble fertilizer, I like using this one.

Apply the fertilizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season.

Repotting (if necessary)

If your amaryllis has outgrown its current pot or the soil has become depleted of nutrients, consider repotting it with fresh potting soil. This is typically done every 2-3 years though I have an acquaintance who repots hers every year. 

Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the bulb, about an inch around the bulb, make sure it has plenty of drainage holes, and use well-draining potting soil.

Forcing Dormancy for a Second Bloom

You can get a second bloom during the winter or early spring if you wish. I did not know this until I went to a friend’s last March and her amaryllis were all about to put on new blooms. She has about 10 lined up in her front window. 

This takes place after the first bloom…

For amaryllis to bloom again, they need cool temperatures. You can make this happen by letting them rest in a cool (45 to 55°F), dark place for about eight to twelve weeks (my friend does this for 8 weeks). During this time, don’t water the plants and remove the yellow leaves.

Check the bulbs while they’re in this dormant period. If they start putting out new leaves from the neck of the bulb, move them to a sunny spot.

After 8 weeks, repot in fresh soil (optional but it is what my friend does), resume watering, and put them in a sunny place with warm temperatures.

Once you see signs of growth, water as needed and fertilize. Flowers usually appear about 4-6 weeks after this resting time.

Staking and Support

As your amaryllis continues to grow, the flower stems can get quite tall and top-heavy,  it may benefit from some support to prevent toppling over. Use stakes or trellises to gently prop up the stem if it becomes top-heavy.

Because they can get top-heavy I prefer potting them in terra cotta pots or a glazed clay pot that are bottom-heavy enough to prevent the plant from toppling.

Preparing for Next Blooming Season

As the days start to lengthen and warmer weather approaches, it’s time to prepare your amaryllis for its next winter’s blooming cycle.

As stated before giving them a summer vacation outdoors goes far in helping the dormant bulbs fuel up for next winter.

This is especially helpful if you force them into a second bloom which can deplete the bulbs more than if you had not.

Have you ever tried waxed amaryllis bulbs? I have yet to but they sound easy to grow as you don’t need to do anything but set them up in a sunny spot and enjoy. At least, that is the theory. I wonder how you keep the upright when the flower buds make it top-heavy?

With proper care, your amaryllis can continue to thrive and provide you with beautiful blooms year after year. By following these steps, you’ll ensure that your plant remains healthy and vibrant, bringing joy to your home for seasons to come.

Happy gardening!

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