How to Keep a Amarylis Bulb Reblooming

Amaryllis plants rebloom after a rest period.

The amaryllis is a tropical flowering plant that grows from a large bulb and produces blooms from late December through late spring. The flower stalk stands taller than the long, sword-like leaves and produces a trumpet-shaped bloom in the colors of orange, pink, red, white or striped. With proper care, the amaryllis bulb will begin to sprout and re-bloom 8 to 10 weeks after undergoing a rest period.

Things You'll Need

• Plant clipper
• Refrigerator
• Planting container
• Potting soil
• Water
• Water-soluble houseplant fertilizer

Instructions

1. Cut the flower stalk from the amaryllis plant once it fades and begins to droop. Continue to apply water and fertilizer to the plant throughout the summer season. Cut the leaves off 2 inches above the soil once they begin turning yellow.

2. Invert the growing container after cutting the leaves off and remove the bulb. Brush excess soil off the bulb. Place the bulb into the empty container and set it in a cool area with a temperature between 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. Remove the bulb from cool storage after six weeks and plant it in a container filled with a well-draining potting soil. Set the bulb on top of a layer of potting soil and pack soil to the neck of the amaryllis bulb. Refrain from pushing on the bulb as this may crush the roots.

4. Water the soil thoroughly after planting until water flows out the drainage holes. Provide water to the plant when the soil feels dry to the touch until the flower bud emerges. Increase water applications to keep the soil evenly moist through the flowering period.

5. Set the container in an area that receives three to four hours of bright sunlight daily and has a temperature of 68 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

6. Fertilize the soil in the amaryllis container with water-soluble houseplant fertilizer every other week once the leaves begin to emerge from the bulb.

Tips & Warnings

• Place the bulb in the crisper drawer of a refrigerator if a cool location is not available. Do not place the bulb near apples as they turn amaryllis bulbs sterile.

References

• University of Minnesota: Growing and Caring for Amaryllis
• North Dakota State University: Questions on Amaryllis
• Amaryllis Bulb Company: Amaryllis Planting and Care