Amaryllis bulbs produce gorgeous, trumpet-shaped blooms in an array of colors. Getting these bulbs to rebloom year after year takes proper care after flowering. However, sometimes amaryllis bulbs fail to grow or show new growth after they have bloomed If your amaryllis bulb is not growing, there are several possible causes and solutions to get it thriving again
Why Isn’t My Amaryllis Bulb Growing?
There are a few key reasons an amaryllis bulb may not be growing or sprouting after it finishes flowering
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Lack of sunlight – Amaryllis bulbs require full sun to generate energy and growth through photosynthesis. Insufficient light results in weak or no new growth.
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Improper watering – Too much or too little moisture prevents the bulb from thriving. Consistent watering when the soil partially dries out is best.
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Nutrient deficiency – Nutrients in the bulb may be depleted after blooming. Without fertilizer, the new growth can be stunted.
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Pest damage – Insects or diseases can damage the bulb and impair its ability to sprout new leaves and roots.
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Temperature extremes – Exposure to high heat or freezing temps can injure the bulb and inhibit growth.
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Natural dormancy – Some hybrid amaryllis bulbs may enter a rest period after flowering and before producing new foliage.
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Small or weak bulb – Smaller or undernourished bulbs may not have enough energy to grow well after the bloom cycle.
How to Get an Amaryllis Bulb to Grow Again
If your amaryllis bulb is not growing after flowering, try these troubleshooting tips:
Provide Sunlight
Place the amaryllis in a warm, sunny window where it receives at least 5-6 hours of direct sun daily. Sunlight fuels growth and is essential for the bulb to send up new leaves and bloom again. An east or south facing window is ideal.
Check Watering
Water the potted amaryllis regularly so the soil stays slightly moist but not saturated. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between thorough waterings. Poor drainage or too much moisture can lead to bulb rot.
Apply Fertilizer
Feed the amaryllis bulb every 2-4 weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growth and flowering period. Stop fertilizing once the leaves yellow in late summer. Fertilizer replaces nutrients lost from blooming.
Inspect for Pests
Check bulbs and leaves closely for signs of pests like aphids, mealybugs and scales. Remove infected leaves and treat pests with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap sprays to restore vigor.
Provide Warmth
Keep amaryllis bulbs away from cold drafts, air vents, and freezing outdoor temps which can damage the bulb. Ideal indoor growing temps are 65°F-75°F. Heat mats can provide warmth for potted bulbs.
Allow Time to Recharge
Some hybrid amaryllis need a dormant period of 12-16 weeks after flowering before they will grow new leaves. Be patient and continue proper care during this recharging phase.
Repot Annually
Replant bulbs in fresh potting mix each spring to provide nutrients. Discard shriveled bulbs and old mix. Select a pot only 1-2 inches wider than the bulb.
With diligent troubleshooting and care, an amaryllis bulb that’s not growing should bounce back. However, occasionally bulbs can be too far gone to revive and may need replacing. As long as a bulb still feels firm, it’s worth trying to rejuvenate it!
Why Proper Care is Key for Amaryllis Reblooming
Getting amaryllis bulbs to flower year after year takes careful attention to their needs before and after blooming:
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Sunlight – Place in a south facing window where bulbs can photosynthesize optimally.
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Water – Keep potting mix damp but not soggy during growth; reduce watering after flowering.
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Nutrients – Feed every 2-4 weeks while leaves are actively growing; stop fertilizing once leaves yellow.
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Repotting – Replant bulb in fresh soil annually to prevent nutrient depletion.
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Support – Stake tall flowering stems to prevent toppling and snapping.
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Pest prevention – Inspect closely and treat any pests promptly to avoid infestations.
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Temperature – Keep bulbs around 70°F; avoid freezing cold exposure.
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Rest period – Allow at least 8 weeks rest after flowering before starting water and light.
Following the bulb’s natural cycle of active growth, blooming, and dormancy is key to successfully getting amaryllis to flower again each year.
Signs of Healthy Growth in Amaryllis Bulbs
When cared for properly, amaryllis bulbs will display signs of vigorous growth:
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Plump bulb – A healthy bulb will appear firm and rounded, not shriveled.
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Green leaves – Long, strap-like leaves emerge after flowering to generate energy through photosynthesis.
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Strong roots – White, healthy roots will fill the pot and actively take up moisture.
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Flower stalk – A tall, sturdy flower stalk will emerge in 6-8 weeks after bulb growth begins.
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Buds – Swollen flower buds will form at the stalk tips, getting larger before opening into blooms.
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Rebloom – Given proper care, bulbs should flower reliably every year in winter or early spring.
Pay attention to these indicators that your amaryllis bulb is thriving and on track to rebloom beautifully.
Troubleshooting Lack of Amaryllis Growth
Use this handy chart to diagnose and correct common amaryllis growth problems:
| Issue | Potential Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No leaves emerging after flowering | Lack of sunlight, dormancy period | Provide bright light daily, allow 12+ weeks rest after blooming |
| Weak, floppy foliage | Insufficient light, overwatering, bulb rot | Give more direct sun, reduce watering, discard rotted bulbs |
| Leaves yellowing or withering | Underwatering, fertilizer deficiency | Water more consistently when partially dry, apply complete fertilizer |
| Stunted leaves and minimal growth | Cold temps, small bulb size, pests | Move to warmer area, replace tiny bulbs, treat pests |
| No flower stalk | Inadequate sunlight, too early | Increase sunlight exposure, wait 8+ weeks after starting bulb |
| Flower stalks snapping | Leggy growth, lack of support | Stake stems, provide bright light to strengthen growth |
Catching issues early makes it easier to get your amaryllis vigorously growing again. With a little diligent troubleshooting, you can get your bulb thriving and blooming season after season.
FAQs About Amaryllis Bulb Growth Issues
Why are my amaryllis leaves growing but no flower?
If an amaryllis bulb produces leaves but no flower stalk, it often needs more time. Wait at least 8 weeks after you start actively growing the bulb before expecting to see flowers. Extend the time to 12 weeks for some varieties. Maximize sunlight exposure to encourage blooming.
Should you cut off amaryllis leaves?
Avoid cutting off amaryllis leaves until they have fully yellowed and died back naturally (usually by late summer). The leaves produce energy that recharges the bulb for next year’s bloom. Let them be until they decline on their own.
How long do amaryllis bulbs last?
Amaryllis bulbs can last and bloom for many years if given proper yearly care. On average, a healthy amaryllis bulb may bloom successfully for 5-10 years before needing to be replaced due to exhaustion. Some bulbs grown in optimum conditions have flourished for 20+ years.
What do I do with amaryllis after flowering?
After amaryllis finish flowering, keep caring for the plant by watering and fertilizing through summer while the leaves fully grow and mature. Allow the foliage to die back naturally in fall, then cut it off and trigger dormancy by stopping watering and putting the bulb in a cool, dark place for at least 8 weeks.
Where should I cut amaryllis leaves?
When the leaves have completely withered and yellowed after flowering, cut each leaf off at the base right where it emerges from the top of the bulb. Remove spent leaves cleanly to prevent any rotting inside the bulb neck.
Enjoy Continual Amaryllis Blooms
With the right troubleshooting and care, an amaryllis bulb that initially failed to grow can rebound and flourish again. Provide plenty of bright light, moderate watering and fertilizer, warmth, and dormancy periods to keep bulbs blooming year after year. Getting an amaryllis bulb to rebloom just takes understanding and meeting its needs both during and after flowering.