The Hippeastrum species, commonly known as Amaryllis, is a popular winter bloomer. You can generally leave these bulbs in their pots year-round, a practice that is beneficial for their continued health and reblooming success. Successfully coaxing an Amaryllis to flower again requires managing its simple annual cycle of growth, rest, and reawakening. This approach allows the bulb to store the necessary energy for its next floral display.
Why Amaryllis Prefer Permanent Pots
Amaryllis bulbs flourish when their roots are slightly confined, a condition often referred to as being “pot-bound.” This tightness encourages the plant to focus its energy on flower production rather than excessive root growth. When initially planting, select a container that is only about one to two inches wider than the diameter of the bulb itself. This restricted space signals the bulb to conserve resources for blooming.
Using a heavy, stable pot, such as one made of terracotta, is important for physical support. Amaryllis blooms can make the plant top-heavy, and a stable container prevents it from toppling over once the tall flower stalks emerge. This snug setup can be maintained for several years without intervention.
Maximizing Energy Storage After Flowering
The period immediately following the bloom ensures future flowers. Once the last flower fades, clip the spent blossoms and the stalk down to about one inch above the bulb to prevent seed formation. The long, strap-like green foliage must be left completely intact, as these leaves are the plant’s power source for the entire spring and summer.
The leaves use photosynthesis to create carbohydrates and nutrients, which are stored in the bulb for the next year’s bloom. Treat the Amaryllis like a standard houseplant during this time, placing it in a bright, sunny location, such as a south-facing window. Moving the potted bulb outdoors once the danger of frost has passed, where it can receive at least six hours of sunlight, is beneficial.
Consistent water and fertilizer application throughout the summer support this energy-storing process. Water the plant thoroughly when the top two inches of soil feel dry, and feed it monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer. A formula with a slightly higher potassium content can help maximize the bulb’s reserves for flower formation.
Triggering the Necessary Dormancy Period
To encourage reblooming, the Amaryllis must undergo a cool, dry rest period to initiate new flower buds. This dormancy phase should begin in late summer or early fall, typically about eight to twelve weeks before you want the bulb to bloom. The first step is to gradually stop watering and feeding the plant completely.
As water is withheld, the green foliage will naturally begin to yellow and die back, signaling the plant to enter its resting state. Once the leaves are completely yellowed and dry, they can be trimmed off. The potted bulb should then be moved to a cool, dark location where temperatures remain consistently between 50 and 55°F, such as a basement or cool garage.
Do not water the bulb during this entire eight-to-ten-week resting period. This simulated winter allows the internal clock of the Amaryllis to reset. After the dormancy period is complete, bring the pot back into a warm, bright area and resume watering to signal the start of the new bloom cycle.
When and How to Repot Crowded Bulbs
While Amaryllis prefer to be pot-bound, the soil eventually becomes depleted of nutrients, and the bulb or its offsets may become crowded. Repotting is generally necessary only once every three to five years. The best time to perform this maintenance is right after the dormancy period has concluded.
To repot, gently remove the bulb and its root mass from the old container. Shake off the exhausted soil and trim away any dead or mushy roots, leaving the healthy, fleshy roots intact. If the main bulb has produced smaller offsets, these can be carefully separated and potted individually to grow into new plants.
Select a new pot that is only slightly larger than the old one, ensuring the snug fit the Amaryllis prefers. Repot the bulb using fresh, well-draining potting mix, making sure that the top one-third to one-half of the bulb remains exposed above the soil line. Watering the newly potted bulb and moving it back to a bright, warm location restarts the active growth cycle.