After your amaryllis has finished blooming, there are a few steps you can take to care for it and ensure it remains healthy for future growth and blooming. Here’s what you can do with your amaryllis after it has bloomed:
1. Deadhead the flowers: Once the flowers have faded and wilted, it’s important to remove them from the plant. This process is known as deadheading. Simply cut the flower stalk as close to the base of the plant as possible, using sharp and clean scissors or pruners. This will help redirect the plant’s energy towards bulb development rather than seed production.
2. Continue watering and fertilizing: Even after the flowers have faded, it’s important to continue watering your amaryllis regularly. The plant needs moisture to support bulb growth. However, reduce the amount of water you give compared to when it was actively blooming. Additionally, you can continue to feed your amaryllis with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season to provide essential nutrients.
3. Provide adequate sunlight: Amaryllis bulbs require bright, indirect light to thrive. Place your plant near a window where it can receive at least six hours of sunlight per day. However, be cautious of direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves. If you notice the leaves turning yellow or brown, it may be an indication of too much sun exposure.
4. Allow foliage to grow: After the flowers have bloomed, the amaryllis will enter a period of vegetative growth. The plant will produce long, strap-like leaves that are essential for storing energy in the bulb. Allow the foliage to grow naturally and avoid cutting it off prematurely. This period of leaf growth is crucial for replenishing the bulb’s energy reserves.
5. Repotting and bulb division: Amaryllis bulbs can become overcrowded over time, leading to reduced blooming. If you notice that your plant is not producing as many flowers as it used to, it may be time to repot or divide the bulb. This is typically done in late spring or early summer, after the foliage has died back. Gently remove the bulb from the pot, separate any offshoot bulbs, and repot them in fresh, well-draining soil. This will give the bulbs more space to grow and encourage better blooming in the future.
6. Dormancy period: Amaryllis bulbs require a period of dormancy to rest and recharge. This usually occurs naturally during late summer or early fall. As the foliage starts to yellow and die back, reduce watering and stop fertilizing. Allow the bulb to rest in a cool, dry location for about 8-10 weeks. During this time, you can remove the dried foliage and store the bulb in a paper bag or a cool, dark place.
7. Restarting the growth cycle: After the dormancy period, it’s time to restart the growth cycle of your amaryllis. Bring the bulb out of storage and repot it in fresh soil. Begin watering again, gradually increasing the amount as new growth emerges. Place the pot in a sunny location and watch as the amaryllis starts to grow and eventually blooms again.
Remember, each amaryllis bulb is unique, and the exact timings and care requirements may vary. Observing your plant closely and adjusting the care accordingly will ensure its continued health and beauty for years to come. Enjoy the process of nurturing your amaryllis and anticipate the joy of its stunning blooms in the future.
