I can’t tell you how many times I’ve stared at my Amaryllis plant, hoping for those gorgeous Amaryllis flowers to bloom, only to be disappointed when it doesn’t.
If you’re wondering, why is my amaryllis not blooming, you’re not alone!
In this post, I’m going to share the real reasons why your Amaryllis bulbs might not be blooming and, most importantly, how to fix it.
If you’ve been struggling with this, keep reading because I’ve got some tried-and-true tips to help you out!
Key Reasons Why Your Amaryllis Isn’t Blooming
Understanding why your amaryllis is not blooming starts with checking a few key things about your plant’s Amaryllis care.
The good news is that once you figure out the issue, getting it to bloom will be much easier!
Reason #1: Incorrect Planting Depth
One of the most common reasons your Amaryllis bulbs might not bloom, especially that first year, is that you didn’t plant them at the right depth. I’ve learned this the hard way, trust me.
For the best results, you need to plant your Amaryllis bulbs so that at least a third to half of the bulb is exposed above the soil line.
If you bury the entire bulb too deep—like many garden bulbs need to be planted—it could result in no flowers or smaller blooms.
So, always double-check your planting depth. It’s a simple fix, but it makes all the difference when it comes to seeing those gorgeous flowers.
Reason #2: Lack of Adequate Rest Period
If your Amaryllis plant bloomed beautifully that first year but hasn’t produced flowers since, this might be the culprit.
Amaryllis bulbs need a period of rest—some darkness and coolness—to recharge their energy for blooming again. I know it sounds strange, but they need about 12-15 weeks of this downtime to bloom a second time.
For this, your Amaryllis bulbs need to be placed somewhere dark and cool. Ideally, that means a place like a basement or a closet where the temperature is around 40 to 50°F.
Now, I get it: finding the right spot can be tricky. It’s one of the more challenging parts of Amaryllis care.
My first year, I didn’t get it quite right, and I ended up with just leaves and no flowers.
It took a little creativity to figure out that a crawl space under my living room would be perfect for the cool, dark period.
So, don’t be afraid to get a little inventive with where you store your plant during its rest!
Amaryllis Care to Promote Blooming
Once you’ve solved the main reasons your Amaryllis plant isn’t blooming, you can help it thrive with some key Amaryllis care tips.
Correct Soil and Potting for Your Amaryllis Bulbs
I’ve found that using the right soil and potting technique can make a huge difference in how well your Amaryllis bulbs perform.
For starters, make sure your potting mix is well-draining. You don’t want your Amaryllis plant sitting in soggy soil—it can cause rot and stunt growth.
The pot you choose should be just the right size for your bulb. Don’t go too big! A pot that’s too large can delay blooming, as the plant will focus on growing roots instead of flowers.
Proper Watering and Light Conditions
Watering is essential, but you need to strike the right balance. Keep the soil moist but not soaked. I’ve definitely learned that the hard way with a few too many overwatered bulbs.
Your Amaryllis plant thrives when the soil is slightly dry on top but still damp underneath.
As for light, Amaryllis plants love indirect light. Once the bulb starts growing, place it in a bright spot, but make sure it’s not direct sunlight. Too much sun can damage the leaves and stunt the flowers.
Fertilizing and Ongoing Care
During the growing season, use a balanced fertilizer to encourage your Amaryllis plant to bloom. I’ve had great results with a liquid fertilizer, applied every couple of weeks.
Once the flowers start to fade, don’t be too quick to cut the plant back. Let the leaves continue growing for a while, as they’re collecting energy for the next bloom.
It’s part of the ongoing Amaryllis care that’s needed to keep your plant strong and healthy.
How To Get An Amaryllis To Rebloom Year After Year
If you’re wondering how to get an amaryllis to rebloom, it all comes down to proper care and a well-timed rest. Here’s what I do to ensure my Amaryllis bulbs bloom every year:
Post-Bloom Care for Your Amaryllis Plant
Once your Amaryllis flowers fade, don’t toss the plant! Instead, cut back the flower stalk but leave the leaves to continue gathering energy.
This is one of the most important parts of getting your Amaryllis plant ready for next season.
The leaves are like little solar panels, collecting sunlight and nutrients that the bulb will need to bloom again.
The Importance of the Rest Period
As I mentioned before, getting the Amaryllis bulbs to rebloom requires that all-important rest period.
After your Amaryllis flowers fade, place the bulb in a dark, cool space for 12-15 weeks.
Then, bring it back into the light and warmth, and resume watering and feeding it. It’s a rhythm that, when followed correctly, will lead to gorgeous blooms year after year.
Troubleshooting Amaryllis Blooms
If you’re new to gardening for beginners, troubleshooting your Amaryllis care can feel a bit overwhelming. Don’t worry, though. Here are some common mistakes I’ve learned to avoid:
Avoiding Common Mistakes in Amaryllis Care
Overwatering is one of the biggest mistakes I’ve made with Amaryllis bulbs. It’s so tempting to keep the soil too wet, but this can lead to root rot and no flowers.
Another mistake is planting the bulb too deep or not giving it the proper rest period. Make sure you’re following all the basic steps for healthy growth and blooming.
Other Troubleshooting Tips
If you’ve followed all the steps and still don’t see flowers, check for other issues. Pests could be nibbling on your plant, or the bulb might need more nutrients.
Sometimes, just tweaking the environment—more light, a little more water, or a bit more warmth—can make all the difference.
Final Thoughts: Patience Pays Off with Amaryllis Blooms
At the end of the day, patience is key when it comes to getting your Amaryllis plant to bloom.
I know it can be frustrating when you’re waiting for those stunning Amaryllis flowers, but with the right Amaryllis care and some effort, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful blooms year after year.