An amaryllis can come back every year if you take the right steps to care for it. Many people treat amaryllis as annuals because they are easy to grow indoors during the winter months and provide a burst of color when other plants are dormant. However, with a little extra care, you can encourage your amaryllis to rebloom year after year.
One important step in getting your amaryllis to come back is to prevent seed formation. As the flowers begin to fade, it’s important to cut them off. This not only keeps the plant looking tidy, but it also prevents the formation of seeds. Allowing seeds to form can deplete the plant’s energy resources and may result in reduced blooming in subsequent years.
Another key factor in getting your amaryllis to rebloom is to wait until the flower stalk begins to yellow before removing it. The flower stalk is where the plant stores energy for future growth and blooming. By waiting until it has turned yellow, you are allowing the plant to fully absorb and store as much energy as possible. Cutting it off too early may limit the plant’s ability to rebloom.
Once you have removed the flower stalk, it’s important to continue caring for your amaryllis throughout the year. During the growing season, which is typically spring and summer, it’s important to provide your amaryllis with adequate sunlight, water, and nutrients. Place it in a sunny spot, water it when the top inch of soil feels dry, and fertilize it every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
In the fall, you will need to initiate a period of dormancy for your amaryllis. This can be done by gradually reducing watering and allowing the foliage to die back naturally. Once the leaves have turned yellow and withered, you can cut them off at the base. At this point, you can either leave the bulb in its pot or remove it and store it in a cool, dry place until spring.
If you choose to keep the bulb in its pot, make sure it is in a cool location, around 50-55°F (10-13°C), with no direct sunlight. Water it sparingly during this dormant period, just enough to prevent the soil from completely drying out. In the spring, you can bring the pot back into a sunny location and resume regular watering and fertilizing to encourage new growth and blooming.
With proper care and attention, an amaryllis can come back year after year, providing you with beautiful blooms and a delightful addition to your indoor or outdoor garden.
