What to do with that Amaryllis that’s Done Blooming
So you may have noticed I went a little Amaryllis crazy this year. I’ve still got one in bud (I love a late-bloomer), but most holiday-timed Amaryllis have done their thing by now. If you’ve got one that’s done blooming, here are some tips for what to do next.
- Check the flower spike for late buds. Remember, each stem can support several flowers (some as many as 6) and they don’t always bloom at the same time.
- If there are no more buds, and all the flowers are spent, and you don’t care about harvesting seed, you can cut the flower stalk off at the base. Check it out when you do – it’s practically hollow. Kind of amazing how it can hold all those flowers up.
- From now on, treat the plant as you would any other houseplant. Put it in bright, indirect light. Water sparingly, making sure the pot never sits in water (which will cause rot).
- In July, stop watering, cut any remaining leaves off, say “goodnight,” and put the pot someplace cool and dark. This will put the plant into dormancy. I’ve had success using the garage or the back of a kitchen cabinet.
- Then, in November, wake the plant up by putting it back in the light. Water sparingly until you see new growth.
- If all goes well, you should get another flower! Then just repeat the process.
That’s what I do, anyway. I have to admit, they don’t always flower again. Sometimes I forget to take them out of dormancy and they wither away. That’s what plant shops are for.
For the gardeners in the audience: What’s your post-bloom Amaryllis routine? Do you have any special techniques for encouraging them to reflower? Please share.
See Also
Amaryllis Triple Play
Three Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) blooming at the same time.
Amaryllis Sophisticate Timelapse
Perhaps my favorite timelapse yet. I love how the bud just builds and builds until it pops open in a single moment.
Happy New Year
May your 2012 be full of growth and beauty.
7 Responses