Once an amaryllis has finished blooming there is no need to throw it out.
Withproper care after the bloom, an amaryllis can bloom for years.
Usually, amaryllis are sold as potted houseplants or bulbs around the holidays.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Instead, the bulbs go through a rest period after flowering to recover and bloom again.
In its natural habitat, the plant keeps growing even after it finishes blooming.
Failure to send up flower stalks indicates the plant has not collected enough energy during the post-bloom period.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Remove the faded flowers promptly to prevent them from forming seeds, which depletes the plant’s energy.
Cut the flower stalk between 1/2 inch and 1 inch above the bulb with a sharp knife or pruners.
Keep the soil moist but not wet.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Water the plant whenever the top 2 inches of soil feel dry.
Fertilize it every two to three weeks with half the recommended strength of an all-purpose balanced houseplantfertilizer.
Gradually adapt the plant to its outdoor location.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Amaryllis should get at least six hours of sunlight daily, ideally fromdappled sunor diffused light.
Remember that outdoor potted plants dry out much faster than when indoors so water more frequently in the summer.
Around August, stop fertilizing the amaryllis to prepare it for its rest period.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Alternatively, let the plant go through its natural life cycle.
Place it in a cool indoor location around 50F to 60F but keep it in indirect, bright light.
Water it sparingly to keep it barely moist and do not fertilize it.
The leaves will begin to yellow and drop around December.
Resume watering and fertilizing.
To encourage reblooming, use a fertilizer with a high phosphorus content.
After your amaryllis has rebloomed, restart the after-bloom care as described above.
Growing Amaryllis Bulbs.North Carolina Cooperative Extension.
