Post-Flowering care
Your amaryllis bulb was grown in the Southern Hemisphere and will take one to two summers to fully adjust to Northern Hemisphere conditions. During this transition, proper care is essential to ensure that your plant thrives and blooms beautifully in its new environment.
Once your amaryllis has bloomed, the bulb needs special attention to encourage healthy growth and flowering in the future. After the flowers have faded, keep the bulb in a warm and sunny location, either indoors or outdoors, depending on the season and available light conditions.
Outdoors, place the bulb in a spot where it will receive morning sunlight and afternoon shade. Indoors, a bright, indirect light source such as a south- or west-facing windowsill works well. The bulb needs light to store energy for next year’s blooms, so ensure it gets ample sun.
The soil around your amaryllis bulb should be kept moist but not soggy. A good rule of thumb is to water every two to three days, depending on the climate and the location of your plant. Avoid overwatering, as soggy soil can cause the bulb to rot, but don’t let the soil dry out completely, especially when the leaves are still active.
During the growing season, regular watering helps the plant develop strong leaves and prepare for future blooms. Keep an eye on the soil’s moisture levels, and adjust your watering schedule based on the plant’s needs and local weather conditions.
To encourage your plant to bloom again the following year, be sure to feed it after it finishes flowering. Make sure to follow the instructions on the fertiliser packaging, as different products may have different concentrations. Over-fertilising can damage the plant, so it’s best to stick to a regular but moderate feeding schedule.
After your amaryllis has bloomed, resist the urge to cut back the leaves prematurely. The leaves are vital for photosynthesis, which helps the plant store energy in the bulb for the next flowering cycle. Allow the leaves to naturally die back—they will gradually turn yellow as the plant enters dormancy. Once the leaves have yellowed, you can cut them back to the bulb level.
This signals the start of the dormant phase, a crucial part of the amaryllis lifecycle. Dormancy allows the plant to rest and recharge for the next bloom.
Once the leaves have been cut back and the plant is fully dormant, you can store the bulb for approximately four months. The ideal storage conditions are in a cool, dark, and dry place with a temperature range of 8°C to 13°C (46°F to 55°F). Storing your bulb in a brown paper bag with ventilation holes will help maintain the proper humidity and airflow, preventing rot or mould.
Make sure the storage area is free from pests and excess moisture, which can damage the bulb during its resting phase. Check on the bulbs periodically to ensure they remain in good condition.
After the resting period, your amaryllis bulb will begin its growth cycle. Remove any dried foliage and replant the bulb in fresh well-draining potting soil, with the neck of the bulb above soil level. Water the bulb after planting, then wait 10 days before watering again. After that, water every two to three days until water drains from the bottom of the pot. Be sure to empty any excess water from the pot about 30 minutes after each watering. As the weather warms and daylight increases, the bulb will start to grow again, leading to another cycle of stunning blooms.
By following these care steps, your amaryllis will adjust to Northern Hemisphere conditions and continue to thrive for years to come. Proper sunlight, watering, and timely dormancy are key to maintaining a healthy, vibrant amaryllis plant. With patience and care, your amaryllis will reward you with spectacular blooms season after season.
Post-flowering care is key to ensuring your amaryllis continues to thrive!
Once those stunning blooms have faded, knowing how to care for your amaryllis is essential for future growth.
Explore this section for everything you need to know about post-flowering care, along with helpful guides on watering, potting up, lighting requirements, and growing amaryllis in the garden. Each stage of care ensures your amaryllis will bloom beautifully again and again.
