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How to Grow and Re-Bloom Amaryllis

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How to Grow and Re-Bloom Amaryllis: A Complete Guide

Amaryllis flowers are a stunning addition to any home or garden, prized for their large, vibrant blooms and ease of care. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, learning how to grow and re-bloom amaryllis can bring months of floral beauty—and even become a yearly tradition. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to nurture your amaryllis bulbs and enjoy their spectacular flowers time and time again.

What Is an Amaryllis?

Amaryllis refers to a genus of flowering bulbs known for their striking trumpet-shaped flowers. Typically blooming indoors during winter and early spring, these bulbs produce tall stalks topped with several large blossoms in a variety of colors like red, white, pink, and orange.

Because amaryllis bulbs bloom on a seasonal cycle, learning how to properly care for and “reset” them after flowering is key to getting them to bloom again year after year.

Getting Started: Planting Your Amaryllis

  • Choose a healthy bulb: Select a firm, plump bulb without signs of mold or damage.
  • Pick the right container: Use a pot that’s about 1-2 inches wider than the bulb, with drainage holes.
  • Planting: Plant the bulb so that about one-third of it remains above the soil line.
  • Soil: Use well-draining potting soil.
  • Watering: Water lightly until you see growth, then water regularly but avoid soggy soil.
  • Lighting: Place your pot in a bright, indirect light spot.

Caring for Your Amaryllis During Bloom

Once your amaryllis starts to sprout, it grows quickly! Support the flower stalk with a stake if needed. When the flowers bloom, enjoy their beauty for 2-3 weeks. Keep the plant in a cool, well-lit area and water moderately.

How to Re-Bloom Amaryllis After Flowering

Here’s the secret to encouraging your amaryllis to bloom again:

Step 1: Cut Back the Flower Stalk

After the flowers fade, cut the flower stalk down to about 1-2 inches above the bulb. Don’t cut the leaves—they’ll keep feeding the bulb for next season’s blooms.

Step 2: Continue Watering and Feeding

Water the plant regularly and fertilize every 2-4 weeks with a balanced houseplant fertilizer. The leaves will continue to grow and photosynthesize, storing energy in the bulb.

Step 3: Let the Leaves Grow Through Summer

Keep the plant in a sunny window and water as needed. This growing phase is crucial for bulb replenishment.

Step 4: Provide a Dormancy Period

In late summer or early fall, reduce watering and let the leaves die back naturally. Once the leaves are yellow and dry, cut them off and store the bulb in a cool, dark place for 8-10 weeks. This rest period mimics natural seasonal changes and triggers the bulb to bloom again.