Amaryllis bulbs are a staple during the holidays, bringing vibrant color to homes alongside poinsettias and Christmas cacti. But many people treat them as disposable, tossing them after they finish blooming. This is a mistake. With the right care, amaryllis can be forced to rebloom for years, turning a seasonal purchase into a lasting plant.
Why Amaryllis Bulbs Don’t Have to Be One-Season Wonders
The key is understanding how these tropical plants function. Unlike some bulbs that need harsh cold stratification, amaryllis simply require a period of dormancy—a rest period that triggers reblooming. This process isn’t complicated, but it does require a shift in how you care for the plant after the flowers fade. Ignoring this crucial step means losing a potentially beautiful plant that can provide blooms for multiple seasons.
Post-Bloom Care: Keeping the Energy Flowing
After the amaryllis flowers wilt, cut them off at the base. This prevents the plant from wasting energy on seed production. Crucially, do not discard the foliage. The leaves are essential for replenishing the bulb’s energy reserves for the next bloom cycle.
Keep the plant in a warm, bright spot and water regularly throughout spring and summer. Amaryllis blooms only once or twice a year, so maintaining healthy foliage ensures it will survive until the following winter.
Dealing With Waxed Bulbs: A Slightly Different Approach
Waxed amaryllis, often sold pre-forced, require a little more attention. The wax keeps them alive initially without needing water, but it must be removed to encourage long-term growth.
Once the bulb is done blooming, carefully peel off the wax and any supporting wires. Check the bulb’s firmness: if it’s still solid (not soft, brown, or mushy), there’s a good chance it will root. Allow any remaining foliage to die back naturally; it’s still providing energy to the bulb. Plant it in a well-draining potting mix, leaving the top third exposed, and moisten the soil lightly.
Forcing Rebloom: The Six-to-Eight-Week Dormancy Period
The most important step for repeat blooms is a dormancy period. Amaryllis don’t need cold temperatures like many other bulbs; they thrive in cool, dry conditions for six to eight weeks. This period should begin about two months before you want the plant to bloom again—fall is ideal for Christmas-season blooms.
As dormancy approaches, gradually reduce watering. The leaves will turn yellow and die back, which is a good sign. As long as the bulb remains firm, it’s entering the necessary rest phase. Keep the bulb in temperatures between 45–55°F (7–13°C), as amaryllis are not frost-tolerant.
“Cold stratification is unnecessary for amaryllis,” explains gardening expert Kelly Funk. “They naturally thrive in tropical environments and rely on a dormancy period rather than cold winters.”
By following these steps, you can transform a disposable holiday plant into a long-lasting flowering treasure. Don’t throw away your amaryllis bulbs—give them the care they need, and they’ll reward you with blooms year after year.
