What To Do With Amaryllis Bulbs After Blooming – A Complete Guide

Amaryllis bulbs are a popular gift around the holidays for their ability to bloom brightly indoors during the winter. Their large, trumpet-shaped flowers come in stunning shades of red, white, pink, salmon, and more, instantly brightening any space.

But what do you do with amaryllis bulbs after they are done blooming? Many people discard them or let them fade away, not realizing these bulbs can live for many years and bloom again with proper care.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through exactly how to care for amaryllis bulbs after blooming so you can enjoy their colorful flowers again next year.

Step 1: Cut Off Faded Blooms

Once the flowers have faded, the first step is to cut off the stalk right above the bulb, removing any dead or drying flowers Make a clean cut with a sharp knife or pruners 1-2 inches above the top of the bulb Be careful not to damage any new foliage that is emerging.

Leaving the stalk intact will drain energy from the bulb that is needed to produce next year’s blooms. Removing spent flowers allows the bulb to focus its energy on leaf growth instead.

Step 2: Let the Leaves Photosynthesize

If there are any leaves present on your amaryllis bulb, leave them be! The green straplike foliage is photosynthesizing, which creates food for the bulb to store energy. This energy will fuel next year’s blooms.

Place the potted amaryllis in a sunny window where it can soak up light. Water it regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soaked. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks to nourish the plant.

The leaves will grow larger and produce more food for the bulb over time Leave them intact for as long as possible, at least through summer Healthy leaves mean a healthy bulb that will rebloom.

Step 3: Move Outdoors After Frost Risk

Once spring arrives and the threat of frost has passed in your area amaryllis can be moved outdoors. Gradually transition the plant over 7-10 days to prevent shock from sudden changes in light or temperature.

Initially place it in partial shade, bringing it into sunlight for longer periods over the course of a week. Then select a site in full sun to part shade with well-draining soil.

In-ground plantings will need less frequent watering than container-grown bulbs. Apply an organic bulb fertilizer or all-purpose fertilizer monthly to nourish the plant through summer.

Step 4: Let Foliage Die Back Naturally

As summer winds down, amaryllis foliage will naturally start to yellow and wither. Allow the leaves to die back completely before bringing the bulb indoors.

The dying leaves indicate the bulb is going dormant for the year. This dormancy period, triggered by shorter daylight hours, is crucial for future reblooming. Don’t remove leaves prematurely or you may compromise next year’s flower show.

Step 5: Induce Dormancy

Once the leaves have fully died back, it’s time to induce dormancy. Stop watering the bulb and cut off any remaining foliage.

There are two options for providing the required dormancy period:

A. Cool, Semi-Dark Location

Place the dormant bulb in a cool (50-55°F), semi-dark spot for 8-10 weeks. A basement, garage, or covered porch work well. Refrain from watering until the cooling period is complete.

B. Retain as Houseplant

Alternatively, keep the amaryllis as a houseplant through fall and early winter. Maintain temperatures around 50-55°F and indirect light. Withhold water once dormant. After 10-12 weeks, you can transition back to warmer temperatures and sunlight to force blooming.

Step 6: Force Blooming

Once the bulb has gone through an adequate dormancy period, you can force it to bloom again!

Move the bulb to a warm (70-75°F), well-lit room. Water sparingly to moisten the soil without saturating it. New green shoots will emerge within a few weeks.

As the leaves grow, increase sunlight exposure and water when just the top inch of soil is dry. Apply diluted fertilizer every 2-4 weeks to nourish the plant.

In 6-8 weeks, flower stalks will appear! Rotate the plant so flowers face the light source. In another 4-6 weeks, your amaryllis will reward you with more gorgeous blooms.

Caring for Amaryllis Long-Term

With proper storage and care, an amaryllis bulb can live for many years and bloom for you each holiday season or spring. Follow this annual cycle to enjoy amaryllis for years to come:

• Winter – Bloom
• Spring – Fertilize and grow leaves
• Summer – Move outdoors
• Fall – Allow foliage to die back
• Early winter – Induce dormancy period
• Late winter – Force blooming again

The most common reasons amaryllis fail to bloom are:

• Inadequate sunlight
• Interrupting dormancy
• Rot from overwatering
• Repeatedly blooming without dormancy period
• Failure to remove spent flowers

Be diligent about allowing dormancy, keeping the bulb in a well-lit spot, and watering carefully to avoid rot. With a little TLC, your amaryllis will thank you with many future blooms!

Storing Bulbs Long-Term

If you need to store amaryllis bulbs for an extended period, you can dig up the bulbs and store them in a cool, dry place.

In early fall, carefully dig up the bulbs after the leaves die back. Cut off dead foliage and any roots. Place the cleaned, dry bulbs in a paper bag or open crate.

Store the bulbs in a basement, closet or any dark, cool (50-60°F) spot. Check them periodically and discard any that are soft or diseased. Stored properly, bulbs can last for several years before needing to be replanted.

When ready to bloom again, pot the bulb in well-draining soil, water sparingly, and place in a sunny spot indoors. It may take 4-12 weeks for stored bulbs to begin growing, but they will reward your patience with cheerful flowers.

Troubleshooting Issues

Here are some common amaryllis problems and how to fix them:

Leaves but no flowers – Bulb needs more sunlight, fertilizer, and/or a dormancy period.

Flowers but no leaves – Plant is stressed and cannot produce foliage. Discard after blooming.

Slow growth – Increase light exposure and verify bulb is not planted too deeply.

Leggy growth – Needs more sunlight. Rotate the plant frequently.

Leaf tips browning – Reduce fertilizer and water less often.

Flopping flowers – Stake tall stalks for support.

Rot – Water less frequently and discard any mushy bulbs immediately.

Enjoying Amaryllis Year After Year

Amaryllis are such gorgeous, exotic-looking flowers that complement any winter décor or spring garden. Don’t discard those bulbs just because the initial blooming period ended. A little TLC will keep amaryllis bringing beauty to your home for years to come.