Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) is a stunning bulbous plant known for its large, vibrant blooms that grace homes during the holiday season. While it’s often treated as a one-time indoor flower, with proper care, you can regrow amaryllis and make it bloom year after year. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to grow, regrow, and ensure your amaryllis blooms again.
Growing Amaryllis from a Bulb
The first step to enjoying beautiful amaryllis flowers is planting the bulb correctly. Here’s how to get started:
- Choose a Healthy Bulb:
- When selecting an amaryllis bulb, opt for one that is firm, large, and free of blemishes or mold. The bigger the bulb, the more flower stalks it can produce, which means more blooms.
- Plant the Bulb:
- Amaryllis bulbs should be planted in a pot that is slightly larger than the bulb, with drainage holes at the bottom. A pot that is about 6-8 inches in diameter works well.
- Use well-draining potting soil. Fill the pot halfway with soil, place the bulb on top, and add more soil around it, leaving the top third of the bulb exposed.
- Water the soil lightly to settle it, but don’t overwater, as amaryllis bulbs are prone to rot if they sit in soggy soil.
- Provide Proper Lighting:
- Place the potted bulb in a warm, bright location, such as a sunny windowsill. Amaryllis bulbs need plenty of light to stimulate growth.
- As the bulb begins to grow, rotate the pot every few days to ensure the plant grows evenly.
- Watering and Fertilizing:
- Keep the soil slightly moist, but not waterlogged. Once the flower stalk emerges, water more regularly, but allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
- When the leaves appear, start fertilizing with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-4 weeks to promote healthy growth.
- Enjoy the Blooms:
- Within 6-10 weeks of planting, your amaryllis should produce large, colorful blooms. Depending on the variety, the flowers can last for several weeks.
Regrowing Amaryllis After Blooming
Once your amaryllis has finished blooming, you can encourage it to regrow and bloom again. Here’s how:
- Cut Back the Flower Stalk:
- After the flowers have faded, use clean scissors or pruning shears to cut the flower stalk down to about 1-2 inches above the bulb. Avoid cutting the leaves, as they are essential for photosynthesis and nourishing the bulb.
- Continue Caring for the Leaves:
- Keep the plant in a sunny location, and continue watering and fertilizing it as you would with any other houseplant. The leaves will remain green and continue to grow, which helps the bulb store energy for the next blooming cycle.
- Move Outdoors in Summer (Optional):
- If you live in a region with mild summers, you can move your amaryllis outdoors once the danger of frost has passed. Place the pot in a spot that receives partial sunlight, and continue regular watering and fertilizing. Be sure to bring the plant back indoors before the first frost.
Preparing Amaryllis for Reblooming
To get your amaryllis to bloom again, it needs a period of dormancy. Here’s how to prepare your plant for its next blooming cycle:
- Stop Watering and Fertilizing:
- In late summer or early fall, stop watering and fertilizing your amaryllis. Allow the leaves to naturally yellow and die back. This signals to the plant that it’s time to go dormant.
- Move to a Cool, Dark Location:
- Once the leaves have completely died back, cut them off, leaving the bulb in the soil. Move the pot to a cool, dark location, such as a basement or garage, where temperatures remain between 50-60°F (10-15°C). During this dormant period, the bulb will rest and prepare for the next blooming cycle.
- Do not water the bulb during dormancy. It should remain dry until you’re ready to restart the growing process.
- Dormancy Period:
- Allow the bulb to rest for at least 8-10 weeks. Some gardeners prefer to leave the bulb dormant for up to 12 weeks to ensure a strong bloom in the next cycle.
Encouraging Amaryllis to Bloom Again
After the dormancy period, it’s time to bring your amaryllis out of hibernation and encourage it to bloom again.
- Repot the Bulb (Optional):
- If the bulb has outgrown its current pot, or if the soil has become compacted, you can repot the bulb in fresh potting mix. Choose a pot that is just slightly larger than the bulb.
- Resume Watering and Warmth:
- Move the pot to a bright, warm location, and water the soil lightly. As the bulb begins to grow, gradually increase the amount of water you give it.
- Watch for New Growth:
- Within a few weeks, you should see new growth emerging from the bulb. This may be either a new flower stalk or leaves. Once growth begins, follow the same care routine as you did during the first growing cycle: provide bright light, water regularly, and fertilize.
- Repeat the Cycle:
- With proper care, your amaryllis will bloom year after year, providing beautiful flowers to brighten your home during the winter months.
Tips for Successful Amaryllis Growth and Reblooming
- Avoid Overwatering: Amaryllis bulbs are susceptible to rot, so it’s crucial to avoid overwatering. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, and make sure the pot has good drainage.
- Use Fertilizer Regularly: Fertilizing your amaryllis during the growing season is essential for helping the bulb store energy for future blooms. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer applied every 2-4 weeks will promote strong growth.
- Be Patient: Sometimes, it may take a year or two for an amaryllis bulb to rebloom. Consistent care, proper dormancy periods, and patience will eventually yield beautiful blooms again.
Conclusion
With the right care, you can grow and regrow amaryllis, making it bloom year after year. By following the steps for initial planting, providing ongoing care after blooming, and ensuring a proper dormancy period, you’ll enjoy the stunning flowers of this popular plant for many seasons to come. Whether as a holiday centerpiece or a vibrant indoor plant, amaryllis can be a rewarding addition to your indoor garden.