Tips & Guides

How I Keep My Amaryllis Alive After Blooming (And Get It To Rebloom Next Year!)

Written by Emily Belkoff

If you’re anything like me, you’ve fallen head over heels for the beauty and charm of the Amaryllis Plant

These stunning blooms can light up your home in the dreariest months, but the real magic happens when you learn how to keep them thriving year after year. 

Let me walk you through my personal experience with Caring For Amaryllis and how to encourage reblooming.

What To Do With Amaryllis After It Blooms

Once the Flower Amaryllis fades, there’s still plenty to do to keep your plant healthy. The first thing I learned is how important it is to manage spent blooms and stalks.

Pruning Faded Blooms

The moment the flowers begin to wither, I grab my sharp scissors and snip them off right at the base of the bloom. 

This stops the plant from putting energy into producing seeds. For example, I had a Black Pearl Amaryllis last year with the most dramatic dark blooms, and trimming those fading flowers helped direct its energy back to the bulb for future growth.

Trimming Spent Stalks

When the whole stalk has done its job, cut it just above the neck of the bulb. I use clean, sharp pruners to avoid damaging the plant. 

This little step makes a big difference in keeping your Amaryllis Plant looking tidy and ready to thrive.

Steps for Caring For Amaryllis During Its Growth Phase

Once your Amaryllis Bulbs have finished blooming, the care routine shifts slightly. Here’s how I nurture mine during the active growth phase.

Watering Routine

I water mine about once a week, just enough to see water reach the saucer. This keeps the soil moist but not soggy. Depending on your home’s environment (I heat with wood, so it gets pretty dry!), you might need to adjust the frequency.

Lighting Needs

During the growing phase, it’s crucial to provide lots of light. Place your Amaryllis Plant in the sunniest spot you have indoors. 

I find they thrive even without flowers—those vibrant green leaves are so lush! One year, my bulbs from Bby’s Best produced the healthiest leaves, simply because they were positioned in a bright window.

Outdoor Transition

After the last frost in mid-May, I move my plants outside. They love a spot with morning sun and some dappled shade in the afternoon. During summer, they blend beautifully with my other potted plants, creating a lovely Amaryllis Arrangement.

Preparing for Dormancy: Key to Reblooming

The dormancy period is essential if you want those gorgeous blooms again. I’ve developed a little routine that works like a charm.

Creating a Dormancy Period

Around September, I pull all my Amaryllis Bulbs indoors. Before tucking them away, I clean off any yellow leaves but leave the healthy ones to help the bulbs absorb energy. 

Then I water them well and place them in a cool, dim space—like my root cellar—where it’s around 55°F. This dormancy lasts 6–8 weeks.

Post-Dormancy Revival

In mid-November, I bring the bulbs out of storage. I clean up the remaining leaves, give them a light watering, and wait for signs of life. If you’re not seeing growth, gently squeeze the bulb. A firm bulb is a healthy one; if it feels soft, it may have rotted.

How To Care For Amaryllis After Blooming to Encourage Rebloom

After dormancy, it’s all about slowly reintroducing the bulbs to their routine.

Resuming Growth

Place the bulbs back in a sunny spot and start watering lightly. I also like to scrape off the top layer of old soil and replace it with fresh, nutrient-rich soil. 

A little fertilizer helps, but I don’t stress if I forget—it seems they get plenty of nutrients during the summer.

Troubleshooting Issues

Not every bulb will bloom every year, and that’s okay! I’ve had bulbs that only produced leaves. It can be a little disheartening, but patience is key. Stick to the cycle, and most will reward you the following year with incredible blooms.

Year-Round Amaryllis Care Tips

Taking care of Amaryllis Bulbs is an ongoing process, but with a few habits, it becomes second nature.

Maintaining Healthy Bulbs

Keep an eye on soil quality. Replacing the topsoil annually helps replenish nutrients and keeps the bulbs in prime condition. I’ve noticed that my healthiest blooms often come from bulbs that had fresh soil and good drainage.

Optimizing Indoor Growth

If you’re Growing Amaryllis Indoors, ensure they get bright, indirect sunlight. Rotating the pot weekly helps the plant grow evenly and prevents it from leaning toward the light.

Amaryllis Arrangement Ideas

I love displaying my Amaryllis Plant in decorative pots, especially during the holidays. Even without flowers, the leaves add a striking, lush green element to any room.

Wrapping Up

Caring For Amaryllis might seem like a lot, but once you get into a rhythm, it’s so rewarding. 

From pruning spent blooms to creating a dormancy period, every step sets the stage for those stunning flowers. 

And even if your bulbs don’t bloom every year, don’t give up! With the right care, these beauties will light up your home and your heart.

Hi! I'm Emily!

I'm a mom who's passionate about creating beautiful gardens without the hassle. Here, I share simple tips that actually work for busy people like us.

From picking the right plants to making them thrive, I'll help you create an outdoor space you'll love!

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