Knowing how to treat an amaryllis after flowering is important, and will allow you to enjoy them for many years to come.
In this post, I’ll tell you all you need to know to keep amaryllis once they’re done blooming, and give you tons of aftercare tips.
The big winter blooms of an amaryllis makes it a popular holiday gift, but what do you do after the flowers fade?
The tips in this guide will help you learn exactly what to do with an amaryllis after blooming (hint: you don’t have to throw it away!).
Everything about their aftercare is included right here, from deadheading the flowers, to how to properly feed and water them, and more.
Can You Keep An Amaryllis After Flowering?
Yes you can keep an amaryllis after flowering. Instead of tossing them out, you can save the bulb after the blooms have faded, even ones covered in wax.
In fact, by taking the proper steps to care for it after it’s done blooming, you can enjoy the flowers again year after year.
What Do You Do With Amaryllis Bulbs After They Bloom?
What you do with an amaryllis bulb after the flowers have faded depends on how you received or purchased it.
If it’s in soil you can keep it that way. Otherwise, if it’s encased in wax, simply remove the coating and pot it up.
After that, you can tend to the bulb and foliage of both kinds in the same way using my tips below.
How To Keep Amaryllis Bulbs After Flowering
You can learn all the details of amaryllis care here, but you’ll find specific steps below that will help you tend to an amaryllis in the period after blooming.
1. Allow The Blooms To Fade
As your amaryllis approaches the end of its flowering period, the blooms will naturally begin to fade.
You’ll see discolored, drooping, limp petals, and eventually the flower stalk will start to turn yellow and shrivel. This is totally normal, and nothing to worry about.
2. Cut Off The Dead Flowers
As each one dies, deadhead the individual flowers by snipping them off using sharp, sterile precision pruners, but keep the stem intact.
Removing the dead blossoms will encourage more to open, and also allow the bulb to save the energy it would have spent on seed formation.
As long as it’s green, the main stem will continue to absorb light and provide nutrients to the bulb. Once it turns yellow, cut it down to ½ to 1 inch above the top of the bulb.
3. Keep The Leaves On
It’s also important to keep the leaves on the plant. Those are necessary for the bulb to restore enough energy to survive another year.
So be careful not to damage or remove any of the leaves as you cut back the dead flower spike.
4. Give It Lots Of Light
Once it’s done blooming, move your flowerless amaryllis to a sunny window that will provide 6 or more hours of light per day. The brighter it is, the better.
Add a grow light to supplement if you have trouble finding the right spot, or if you home is too dark.
5. Water Consistently
Extended periods of drought will cause dormancy, so be sure to water it consistently.
Be careful though, the bulbs are prone to overwatering, which can easily cause rot. So wait until the soil feels dry 1-2” deep before giving it another drink.
A moisture gauge can be a very handy tool that will help you keep them at the perfect level.
6. Feed It
In late winter or early spring, start applying a liquid high-phosphorus fertilizer every 2 weeks. You can also use slow-release granules once a month.
Regular feeding is essential to help the amaryllis restore the nutrients after blooming. If you want it to flower again next year, follow the proper reblooming steps here.
FAQs
Here I’ve answered some of the most commonly asked questions about caring for an amaryllis after blooming. If yours isn’t on the list, please add it to the comments section below.
Should I cut my amaryllis back after it blooms?
Yes you should cut back your amaryllis back after it blooms, but only the flowers. Deadhead them once they have faded completely, and wait until the stem turns yellow and dies before removing it.
Should I cut off dead amaryllis flowers?
Yes, you should cut off dead amaryllis flowers to prevent them from setting seed. This will help the bulb retain the energy it would have expelled during that process.
Should I cut the leaves off my amaryllis when it’s done blooming?
No, do not cut the leaves off of your amaryllis when it’s done blooming. It’s very important to keep the foliage intact so the bulb can absorb energy, and replenish the nutrients it lost during flowering.
Now that you know the specific steps to take after your amaryllis has finished blooming, you’ll be able to keep it instead of throwing it away.
If you want to learn all there is to know about maintaining healthy indoor plants, then you need my Houseplant Care eBook. It will show you everything you need to know about how to keep every plant in your home thriving. Download your copy now!
More About Amaryllis Plants
- How To Store Amaryllis Bulbs For The Winter
- How To Grow Amaryllis In Water
- Dormant Amaryllis Care, Timing, Preparation, & How To Revive It
More About Houseplant Care
- What To Do With Cyclamen After Flowering
- What To Do With Christmas Cactus After Blooming
- What To Do With Thanksgiving Cactus After Blooming
- How To Get Your Christmas Cactus To Bloom Again
- How To Get Your Thanksgiving Cactus To Bloom Again
- Growing Plants Indoors – The Ultimate Guide
- Bromeliad Flowers: When, How Often & How Long Do They Bloom
Share your tips for what to do with amaryllis after it blooms in the comments section below.
Marjorie Hinkle says
So, the waxed Amaryllis will not bloom again, unless you remove the wax Coating and plant it in to soil and water it?
I bought 2 of them when I was told they were waterless and have really enjoyed them!
And a girlfriend gave me a regular one for Christmas and since I didn’t plant it right away, it hasn’t bloomed yet!!
Amy Andrychowicz says
While it is possible for waxed amaryllis to bloom without water, they will need it to continue growing and blooming in the future. Unfortunately, they can’t grow in the wax forever. But they are very easy to grow, here are a few articles that will help you out…
– Waxed Amaryllis Bulb Plant Care
– How To Care For An Amaryllis Plant (Hippeastrum)
– How To Rebloom Your Amaryllis Step By Step
Elizabeth Oedamer says
Thank you for your instructions. Can the amaryllis remain in the same pot it was in for the indoor blooming? Should it be repotted when we take it outside for the summer?
Amy Andrychowicz says
You can just leave it in the same pot.
Leo says
I bought 3 of them around Christmas time, they have all bloomed, I gave 2 away. Since then the one I kept had bloomed again. I have not removed the wax, I keep it in a window that give plenty of sunshine, I do occasionally give it a drink by dripping water into the bulb.
Genese A Burlett says
I really enjoyed these instructions. I have four of them and just starting to learn how to keep them.
I’m following your instructions to the tee. Trying to find out where I can fine your book on the above.
Can’t plant outside because of deer and other wild life. My Christmas cautus are still growing now for 3 years.
Thank you
Amy Andrychowicz says
You’re welcome, I’m so happy to hear that you found this article helpful! I don’t have a book specifically about amaryllis plants, but here’s a link to my general houseplant care eBook.
Nancy Canu says
It’s late June and I have given a bulb which bloomed last Christmas. The soil is very dry. Can I plant it outside or put it on the patio in some sun? Or should I wait until September to play with it for next Christmas? I am assuming I should start watering it and use miracle-gro bloom booster. Just what is the best track?
.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Yes you can move your amaryllis outside for the summer, just be sure to slowly introduce it to the full sun so it won’t burn. Here are a few articles that will give you all the other details you need…
– How To Care For An Amaryllis Plant
– How To Get Your Amaryllis To Rebloom
Amy says
I was gifted an amaryllis bulbs wax (with two green stalks coming out of the top of the bulb). Assuming I just cut the wax off and plant it, what type of soil and do I water it right away?
Amy Andrychowicz says
Yes, you can simply peel off the wax and pot it up in slightly dampened regular potting soil. Here are a few articles that will help you out…
– How To Grow Waxed Amaryllis Bulbs
– Amaryllis Care & Growing Guide
Debra Halsey says
My Amaryllis leaves are tall and falling over and some are turning brown on the edges should I cut them off
Amy Andrychowicz says
Amaryllis leaves will get tall and fall over when they aren’t getting enough sunlight, so move it to a sunnier location. The brown edges on the leaves could be caused by overwatering and bulb rot. Check the soil to make sure it’s not wet, it should dry between waterings and never be soggy or saturated. Here’s my complete amaryllis care guide for more information.
Patty says
I have a Tinkerbell amaryllis that is done blooming. Waiting for the stalk to turn yellow then will cut if back. There are 5 long green leaves. Do I trim these healthy looking leaves and take the bulb out of the soil? My plant lives indoors in a pot with grow lights. Or do I just leave the leaves and bulb alone? It is too confusing watching the videos and reading what to do after the blooms die. I really need good step by step directions. Thank you for any help you can give me.
Amy Andrychowicz says
You should definitely follow the steps I’ve outlined in the article. Once you remove the dead flower stem, keep the leaves growing and the bulb can stay in the pot.
Rachel Hoogstra says
I bought an amaryllis bulb in wax for Christmas. The flowers came out in February to everyone’s delight, and I just left it sitting on the counter as the stalk was so green. Now in April it just bloomed another flower on a short stalk. Since I didn’t know to cut the flowers off, the top of the talk stalk has spouted two bulbous shapes. I’m guessing it “went to seed?” Should I cut those off? Are those new bulbs? Wondering g if I can salvage this?
Amy Andrychowicz says
Those bulbous shapes that are left on your amaryllis after flowing are indeed the start of the seed pods. However, unless the flowers were pollinated (which is highly unlikely indoors), they will not amount to anything. So, in order to preserve energy for next year’s flowers, you should definitely cut them off.
nicholas connolly says
I have had an Amaryllis of unknown name for 2 previous years. It has always of normal size,around approx. 9″ to 15″. This year is has grown to 29″, top of bulb to top of, as yet unopened flowers (2). Is there any reason for this sudden spurt of growth?
Amy Andrychowicz says
When amaryllis flowers get tall like that, it means they aren’t getting enough light.
Serena says
Hello! I live in the Phoenix, Arizona area – do you suggest I plant this in the ground after trimming the deadheads and stalk, or keep it in its pot and move inside? Thank you!
Amy Andrychowicz says
You could plant your bulbs in the ground if you’d like, or keep them in the pot, whichever you prefer. Since it gets so hot where you live, plant them in a spot where they’ll get shade from the intense afternoon sun. Read my complete care guide for more information.
Ruth Bourquin says
I have a couple of amaryllis plants that have bloomed over the Christmas season. Have trimmed the flower stalks off, and was wondering what to do with them , thinking of planting them outdoors in the spring. Would it be advisable to trim off the leaves and let them go into a dormant state until planting in May/June? Or would they be successful as a garden plant for summer blooming?
Amy Andrychowicz says
You could plant them outdoors if you’d like, then you’ll have to dig them up before frost in the fall. I keep my amaryllis in pots and put them outside for the summer. That way it’s easier to care for them, and they’ll be able to regenerate enough energy to bloom again next year. Read my article about how to get amaryllis to rebloom form the detailed steps.
Claudia Bradshaw says
Hi Amy, I have a beautiful red and white striped amaryllis which my family brought me from Amsterdam. It has been in full bloom. I was instructed to plant it in water. Now that it has bloomed do I remove it from the water, let it dry and plant it in soil? The name of the amaryllis is the “Dancing Queen”. It is quite lovely, and I hope to have it bloom again.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Yes exactly, allow your amaryllis bulb to dry out a bit and then plant it into soil. Sometimes they have a hard time recovering after being in water, but it’s definitely worth a shot!
Virginia B Martin says
late Feb after stunning flowers, my giant amaryllis leaves have died off; now it’s just a bulb in a pot! how do i take care of it?
Amy Andrychowicz says
It’s strange that the leaves on your amaryllis have died back after flowering. It makes me wonder if the soil dried out too much and triggered early dormancy. If I were you, I would put it into a sunny spot, keep it warm, and water when the soil dries 1″ deep. Hopefully it will start growing some new leaves soon.
James Harvey says
Hi I’m growing my amaryllis for the second year,
It has four beautiful blooms but no leaves as I did last year, will it be ok for next year ?
Amy Andrychowicz says
Yes, it’s very normal for the flowers to bloom before the leaves start growing. Don’t worry, after your amaryllis is done flowering, the leaves will start coming in and it will be just fine.
nora page says
good morning l have a amaryllis l had it as a Christmas gift it had 2 stems the flowers have die of now so what would l do with is as l have never had this plant befor thank you Nora
Amy Andrychowicz says
First you should definitely follow the steps for what to do with your amaryllis after flowering that are detailed in the article. Here are a few other articles that will also help…
How To Care For An Amaryllis Plant
How To Get Your Amaryllis To Rebloom
Nancy Nowak says
My Amryllis bulb sent up a second flower stalk and bloomed again. Will this deplete the bulb and should I keep it in the small gravel (not soil ) it came in ?
Amy Andrychowicz says
It’s not abnormal for them to send up more than one flower stalk, I have one that had 3 bloom spikes on it this year! You can either plant your amaryllis bulb in soil now, or leave it in the gravel until after it’s done flowering – either way is fine.
Mary Kathleen Cameron says
Hello Amy,
I am a first time Amaryllis grower. My plant produced 3 lovely large flowers that I snipped off once they were drooping. The flowering stalk is now yellow, feels like it has no substance inside of it, and is drooping flat. There are still several long, green, flat, spike looking leaves that remain growing tall and a few shorter flat leaves growing off to one side of the pot.
QUESTIONS:
When do I cut the blooming stalk back and how far above the bulb?
For how long do I continue to water and grow the remaining flat spike looking leaves, when do I cut them back, and how far above the bulb do I cut them back?
Do I then put the potted bulb into a cool dark closet?
When do I bring the bulb back out into sunlight?
I am very happy I found your website while searching how to care for Amaryllis.
Thank you, Amy, for your time and consideration!
Amy Andrychowicz says
How fun, congrats on your success as a first timer! You can cut back the flower spike all the way down to the top of the bulb now that it’s yellow. The short answer to your other questions is that you should keep the leaves on and growing all summer. The rest of your questions are answered in detail in this step by step tutorial… How To Get Your Amaryllis To Rebloom Again.
Mary Kathleen Cameron says
Amy,
I wanted to thank you for your explanation on caring for my Amaryllis after blooming.
It is the end of February and all but one tall leaf remain green. One has yellowed, so I have cut that back to the bulb. I think it may have dried out too much. I’ve given the plant a drink of water and put it in a more sunny location.
When should I feed the plant, and with what type of fertilizer?
Thanks so much for your hp!
MK
Amy Andrychowicz says
You’re welcome, happy to help! Begin fertilizing your amaryllis in the spring and continue feeing it regularly throughout the summer. I have a whole section in my detailed amaryllis care guide about how and when to fertilize, as well as the different products I recommend, so definitely check that out for more details.