The Amaryllis is a large-flowered plant often grown indoors that requires a period of rest, known as dormancy, to ensure reblooming year after year. This rest period allows the bulb to rebuild the energy reserves used to produce its flowers. When storing the bulb outside of its pot, a paper bag is a highly suitable container for managing the bulb’s environment during dormancy.
Preparing Amaryllis Bulbs for Dormancy
A successful period of storage begins with a deliberate winding-down process starting in late summer or early fall. To signal the bulb to enter dormancy, you must gradually cease watering and feeding. This forces the plant to draw energy from its leaves back into the bulb, ensuring it is fully charged with nutrients for future flowering.
The leaves must be allowed to yellow and wither naturally, as cutting them off prematurely prevents the bulb from completing its energy-storing process through photosynthesis. Once the foliage has completely browned and dried back, it should be trimmed to about one or two inches above the neck of the bulb.
After trimming the foliage, the bulb must be removed from its pot. Any excess soil clinging to the roots should be gently brushed away without washing the bulb. This is followed by curing, which involves letting the bulb dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area for several days. Proper drying prevents moisture from causing mold, rot, or fungal infections during storage.
Optimal Conditions for Bulb Storage
Once the amaryllis bulb is clean and thoroughly cured, it is ready to be placed in a cool, dark, and dry location for its required rest. The dormant period should last for a minimum of eight weeks, but often extends to ten to twelve weeks to fully reset the flowering cycle.
The paper bag is recommended because it is a breathable container that allows for continuous air circulation around the bulb. This is an advantage over non-porous containers like plastic bags, which trap moisture and humidity, promoting fungal diseases. The paper material also shields the bulb from light, which maintains dormancy and prevents premature sprouting.
The ideal storage temperature range for dormancy is cool but not freezing, typically between 40°F and 55°F (4°C and 13°C). A dry basement, a cool closet, or an unheated garage that maintains this consistent temperature is an excellent location. If the refrigerator is used, the bulb should be kept away from ripening fruits, such as apples, as they release ethylene gas that interferes with flower bud formation.
Waking Up the Bulbs
After the required eight to twelve weeks of rest, the bulb is ready to transition back into its active growth phase. Before replanting, inspect the stored bulbs for signs of shriveling (dehydration) or soft spots and mold (rot). Only firm, plump, and healthy bulbs should be replanted.
The best time for replanting is usually eight weeks before the desired bloom time, allowing for root and flower development. Repotting involves placing the bulb in a clean container with fresh, well-draining potting mix, ensuring the top one-third of the bulb remains visible above the soil line.
The initial watering after repotting should be thorough but must allow the excess water to drain completely. No further watering is needed until new growth is observed. The newly potted bulb should be moved to a warm location, ideally between 65°F and 75°F, and placed in a bright area with indirect sunlight. This combination signals the bulb to break dormancy and begin pushing out new roots, followed by a flower stalk or leaves.