Amaryllis, with their stunning blooms and ease of care, are beloved by many gardeners. While they are often enjoyed as holiday decorations, these beautiful flowers can be encouraged to rebloom year after year with the right care. In this guide, we’ll explore the steps to successfully get your amaryllis to rebloom and continue brightening your home with their vibrant colors.
Understanding Amaryllis Care
Before diving into the reblooming process, it’s essential to understand some basics about caring for amaryllis. These flowering bulbs prefer well-draining soil, ample sunlight, and regular watering during their active growth periods. During the blooming season, they benefit from being placed in a sunny window where they can receive plenty of natural light.
Steps to Reblooming Amaryllis
- Trimming After Blooming: Once the flowers have faded, trim the flower spike back to the base of the plant. This encourages the bulb to conserve energy for future growth rather than expending it on producing seeds.
- Summer Outdoor Growth: After trimming, continue to water the bulb sparingly to keep it alive until you can move it outdoors. In the summer, find a suitable outdoor spot for your amaryllis where it can receive dappled sunlight and adequate airflow. Terra cotta pots work well for stability, and ensure proper drainage to prevent overwatering.
- Dormancy Period: As fall approaches, the leaves may begin to deteriorate, signaling the bulb’s entry into dormancy. This period is crucial for the bulb to rest and recharge for its next blooming cycle. You can trim back any dead foliage and prepare the bulb for storage.
- Preparation for Reblooming: To initiate flowering again, remove the bulb from the pot and allow it to dry out for a day or two. Then, place the bulb in a paper bag and store it in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer for four to six weeks. This period of cold dormancy mimics winter conditions and helps stimulate future growth.
- Potting and Watering: After the dormancy period, remove the bulb from the refrigerator and pot it up in well-draining soil. Provide a thorough watering and place the pot in a sunny window where it can receive ample sunlight. With proper care, your amaryllis should begin to grow and bloom once again.
- Enjoying the Blooms: Sit back and watch as your amaryllis bulb comes back to life, producing beautiful flowers to brighten your home during the winter months. With each blooming cycle, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for these resilient and captivating plants.
Conclusion
With a little patience and care, you can enjoy the beauty of amaryllis blooms year after year. By following the steps outlined above, you’ll be able to successfully encourage your amaryllis bulbs to rebloom and continue adding color and charm to your indoor garden. So, take the time to nurture your amaryllis, and you’ll be rewarded with a stunning display of flowers season after season.
FAQ: Amaryllis To Rebloom
1. When is the best time to buy amaryllis bulbs for reblooming?
- Amaryllis bulbs are typically available in nurseries and stores from November to January. It’s best to purchase bulbs during this time to ensure they have ample time to bloom during the winter months.
2. Can I plant my amaryllis bulbs directly in the garden for reblooming?
- While it’s possible to plant amaryllis bulbs directly in the garden, it’s generally recommended to keep them potted for easier control of growing conditions. Potted bulbs can be moved indoors during cold weather and are less susceptible to pests and diseases.
3. How do I care for my amaryllis bulbs after they finish blooming?
- After the flowers have faded, trim the flower spike back to the base of the plant. Reduce watering to allow the bulb to enter a dormant period. Keep the bulb in a sunny location and continue minimal watering until it’s time to move it outdoors.
4. What is the ideal outdoor environment for amaryllis bulbs during the summer?
- Amaryllis bulbs thrive outdoors during the summer months. Place them in a location with dappled sunlight and ensure they are planted in well-draining soil. Terra cotta pots are preferred for stability, and proper drainage is essential to prevent overwatering.
5. How do I prepare my amaryllis bulbs for reblooming after the dormant period?
- To stimulate reblooming, remove the bulb from the pot and allow it to dry for a day or two. Place the bulb in a paper bag and store it in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer for four to six weeks. This cold period helps trigger the bulb’s blooming cycle.
6. When should I bring my amaryllis bulbs out of dormancy and repot them?
- After the cold treatment, remove the bulb from the refrigerator and pot it up in well-draining soil. Water the bulb thoroughly and place it in a sunny window. Amaryllis bulbs should start to grow and bloom within a few weeks after being brought out of dormancy.
7. Can I save my amaryllis bulbs to bloom at a later time?
- Yes, you can store amaryllis bulbs in the refrigerator until you’re ready for them to bloom. Keep them in the crisper drawer and bring them out four to six weeks before you want them to flower. Pot them up and follow the usual care routine for reblooming.
