Amaryllis, with its stunning blooms, is one of the most popular flowers in many homes, especially during the winter months. The vibrant colors and large, trumpet-shaped petals make it a favorite among gardeners and plant lovers alike. However, once the flowers of your amaryllis begin to fade, you might wonder what to do with it next. Do you toss it out, or is there a way to help it thrive for another season? This article will guide you through what you can do with your amaryllis after the flowers die, offering simple steps to ensure it remains healthy and can bloom again.
What To Do With Amaryllis After Flower Dies?
1. Understanding Amaryllis Growth Cycle
Before diving into the post-bloom care, it’s essential to understand the growth cycle of amaryllis. These plants go through a specific cycle: blooming, fading, and dormancy. Once the flowers have died, it’s important not to panic. The plant is not dead—it’s simply transitioning into a resting period. Proper care during this stage will set the stage for another successful bloom the following year.
Amaryllis typically blooms in winter and early spring. After flowering, it enters a dormant phase, where it will rest and regain energy for the next bloom. The key to successfully managing your amaryllis is knowing when and how to care for it during this period.
2. Cut the Dead Blooms
Once the beautiful blooms of the amaryllis start to fade, the first thing you should do is remove the dead flowers. This is known as “deadheading,” and it helps redirect the plant’s energy into the bulb rather than maintaining the spent flowers. To do this:
- Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to snip the flower stems.
- Cut the flower stem down to about an inch above the bulb. Do not cut into the bulb itself.
- This is the first step in encouraging the plant to enter a dormancy phase and prepare for the next bloom cycle.
3. Leave the Leaves Alone
While the flowers have died, the leaves of your amaryllis will remain green for a while. These leaves are crucial for photosynthesis, which is how the plant stores energy for the next bloom cycle. Do not cut the leaves unless they are yellowing or turning brown.
- Allow the leaves to continue growing and producing energy for the bulb.
- Once the leaves begin to fade and turn yellow, it’s time to consider cutting them back.
Leaving the leaves intact until they naturally die off ensures the plant has stored enough energy to survive its dormancy and bloom again.
4. Watering and Feeding During Blooming Phase
During the flowering phase, your amaryllis needs plenty of care to thrive. However, after the flowers have faded, the plant’s needs change.
Watering
- After the flowers die, water the plant sparingly.
- Reduce watering to once every two weeks, ensuring the soil dries out between waterings.
- If the amaryllis is still in its pot, check the moisture level in the soil regularly. If it’s dry, it’s time to water again.
Overwatering during dormancy can lead to root rot, which can kill the plant. So, be sure to keep the soil on the drier side during this period.
Feeding
- During the blooming phase, amaryllis benefits from a balanced, liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.
- After the flowers fade, you can stop fertilizing as the plant is preparing for dormancy.
- Resist the temptation to fertilize too soon, as it can cause unnecessary growth when the plant needs to rest.
5. Allowing Amaryllis to Rest
The dormant period is a critical stage for your amaryllis. Without this rest, it won’t have the energy to bloom again. Here’s what you should do:
- Keep the plant in a cool, dry location.
- If the plant is in a pot, stop watering completely and let the soil dry out.
- Store the plant in a cool place, such as a basement or closet. Ideal temperatures range between 50°F and 55°F (10-13°C).
- Keep the plant in darkness or indirect light during this resting period.
This rest period can last anywhere from 6-12 weeks, depending on your climate and the specific variety of amaryllis. Be patient—during this time, the bulb will regenerate, preparing for a vibrant new bloom when it’s time to wake up.
6. Repotting and Cleaning the Bulb
After the dormant period, it’s time to check the health of your amaryllis bulb. Here’s how to do it:
Removing the Bulb from the Pot
- Carefully remove the bulb from the pot, gently loosening the soil around it.
- Check for any signs of rot or disease. If the bulb feels mushy or smells unpleasant, it may be a sign of rot, and you should discard it.
Cleaning the Bulb
- Gently clean the bulb by brushing off any dirt. Avoid using water, as excessive moisture can lead to rot.
- Inspect the roots and trim any that are dead or damaged with sterile scissors.
Repotting the Bulb
If you plan to keep your amaryllis in the same pot, replace the old soil with fresh potting mix. Use well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging.
- Make sure the bulb sits just above the soil surface, with the top portion exposed.
- Repot the bulb in a pot that’s 1-2 inches wider than the bulb itself to give it room to grow.
If you’d like to give your amaryllis a fresh start, you can repot it into a slightly larger pot, but remember that they don’t require frequent repotting. A pot change every 2-3 years is generally sufficient.
7. Bringing Amaryllis Back to Life
Once the dormancy period is complete, it’s time to wake your amaryllis up and encourage it to bloom again. Here’s how to do it:
Reintroducing Light
- Place the amaryllis in a sunny location with bright, indirect light.
- Gradually expose the plant to more light each day to stimulate growth.
Watering
- Begin watering the bulb again, but do so sparingly. Start with small amounts of water, ensuring the soil is moist but not soggy.
- Over time, you can increase the frequency of watering as the plant starts to grow again.
Fertilizing
About 4-6 weeks after repotting, you can resume feeding your amaryllis with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. This will encourage the bulb to bloom once more.
8. Common Problems and Troubleshooting
Even with the best care, amaryllis can sometimes face issues. Here are a few common problems and their solutions:
Yellowing Leaves
- If the leaves turn yellow before the dormancy phase, it could be a sign of overwatering or too much fertilizer.
- Ensure you’re watering correctly and not using excessive fertilizer.
No Flowers After Dormancy
- If your amaryllis fails to bloom after a dormancy period, it could be due to insufficient light or a weakened bulb.
- Make sure the bulb gets plenty of sunlight during the growing season, and avoid moving it too often.
Pests
- Amaryllis can sometimes attract pests like aphids or spider mites.
- If you notice small bugs on the leaves, rinse the plant with water or use an organic pest spray to remove them.
Conclusion
Caring for amaryllis after it blooms may seem tricky, but with the right care and attention, it can bloom again year after year. By following these simple steps—removing dead blooms, allowing the plant to rest, and properly cleaning and repotting the bulb—you’ll give your amaryllis the best chance of thriving in the future. Patience is key, and by understanding its growth cycle, you can enjoy the beauty of this stunning flower for many seasons to come.
