How to get an Amaryllis bulb to Re-bloom
by EHS Member Miriam Freibauer
I spent my holidays this year coaxing an amaryllis bulb to bloom and it finally did mid-January. A friend has now challenged me to try and get my amaryllis to re-bloom for Christmas.
Always up for a plant challenge, I went down the google research rabbit-hole and the following is a synopsis of my findings supported by several sources.
A step-by-step plan on how to properly get your amaryllis bulb to re-bloom in about 12 months:
Post-Bloom Care (Summer/Fall)
Deadhead Flowers: Snip faded flowers but leave the flower stalk (stem) to die back naturally, or cut it 1-2 inches above the bulb.
If your plant has leaves, Keep them: Do not cut the green leaves; they photosynthesize to build energy for the bulb.
If your plant doesn’t have leaves, keep watering it (about 1/4 cup of water once a week and plant food every 2-3 weeks) to encourage leaf growth.
Sun & Water: Treat it like a regular houseplant in a sunny spot, watering when the top soil is dry and feeding with liquid fertilizer (or using a rich potting mix). Caution: Never water through the top of the bulb - this can encourage rot.
Move Outdoors (Optional): In summer, you can place it outside in a sunny spot (above 60°F) to help it grow bigger. Watering and feeding regularly.
Dormancy Period (Late Summer/Fall)
Stop Watering: Around August or September, stop watering and fertilizing.
Move to Cool & Dark: Place the pot in a cool (50-60°F), dark, dry place (like a closet/basement) for 8-12 weeks.
Let Leaves Yellow: The leaves will yellow and die back; remove them when withered.
Waking it Up (Winter)
Repot: After dormancy, repot the bulb in fresh soil, leaving the top 1/3 to 1/2 of the bulb exposed.
Water & Warmth: Give it a thorough watering and place it in a bright, warm, sunny spot (70-75°F is ideal). Note: placing on radiators is a great option until a stalk with a bud forms, then remove from the radiator and place on a non heated surface (ie windowsill etc).
Wait for Blooms: New growth should appear in 4-8 weeks, with flowers following soon after.