How to Keep an Amarylis Bulb After It Blooms
Amaryllis plants produce flower stalks that can reach 2 feet tall. The blossoms grow to be 10 to 12 inches wide. People tend to grow the plant indoors around the holiday season. If your amaryllis bulb has stopped flowering, you can force it to bloom again. Proper care of the bulb will encourage it to bloom again, but then the bulb needs to be stored so that it can enter a state of dormancy. Then you can plant it in a new location to enjoy the foliage. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Cut the old and dead foliage down to the top of the amaryllis plant.
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Set the growing pot in a south-facing window so the amaryllis can receive plenty of sunlight.
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3
Water the plant to keep the soil moist.
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Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks. Read the fertilizer instructions carefully before application.
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5
Move the amaryllis plant outdoors when the danger of frost passes. Place the amaryllis back indoors before the first frost arrives.
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6
Cut the amaryllis foliage down to 2 inches when the foliage dies. Allow the remaining foliage to dry completely. Remove the amaryllis bulb from the soil.
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Brush the excess soil off the bulb. Set the amaryllis in a cool, dark location such as a refrigerator crisper drawer. Leave the bulb for six to eight weeks before you plant the bulb again.
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Tips & Warnings
Harden the amaryllis plant outdoors in a shady location for two to three days before you leave it outside during the growing season. Move the plant to a location with sunlight for one hour. Place the plant back in the shady location and continue to expose the plant to one additional hour of sunlight each day until it can withstand six to eight hours of direct sunlight.
Never store amaryllis bulbs near apples because the fruits can damage them.
References
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/Photos.com/Getty Images
