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Kathy Martino
Nature and Beautification Chair
Your holiday decorations are stored away, the evergreens are dry and brittle and your amaryllis flowers are beginning to fade. Don’t throw your amaryllis out to the compost pile or trash bin only to buy a new bulb next holiday! Dumping bulbs may sound like the easy way out, but bringing these plants back into bloom is simpler than one would think.
1. Remove the faded flowers. As most bulbous plants, you should remove the flower stalk. This directs the plant energy to vegetative growth instead of seed. Amaryllis is native to South Africa, so continue to grow in a south window after flowering. Plants can be moved outdoors and placed in direct sunlight once the nighttime temperature remains above 50°F. Remember to water the bulb when the soil is barely moist to the touch.
2. Encourage dormancy. Amaryllis differs from other common bulbs; they don’t need a stretch of cold weather to trigger flower formation. But, they need a period of dormancy. For best flowering, allow the leaves to grow and energize four to six months before encouraging dormancy. To trigger dormancy, STOP watering your amaryllis bulb.
3. Snip off dead leaves. Bring your bulb inside and after a few weeks, remove the leaves when they’re completely withered. Amaryllis does not require dark conditions during dormancy. Place your bulb in a dry warm place for two to three months of rest.
4. Awaken the dormant bulb. Now is a good time to repot your bulb or refresh the soil if needed, before encouraging breaking dormancy. It is easy to awaken the bulb. Simply water once to initiate growth, and keep an eye on the soil. When it dries out, water again but with a lighter hand, until new growth starts.
5. Place plant in bright light. Once your amaryllis is up and growing, place it in your sunniest window. Continue to water
moderately to encourage strong growth, but avoid over watering. Once the flowers start to unfurl, move the plant to a spot with less light to prolong the bloom time and enjoy the great blooms.
Your amaryllis should rebloom for many years of enjoyment!
(Bulbs by John Bryant - reference)