Wait, Don't Throw That Amaryllis Plant Away! Here's How To Care For It.

​We live in such a one-and-done disposable culture that even living plants have become disposable items.  But, did you know that with proper care blooming plants will not only bloom again, but they will also bloom even more profusely as they age?
 
By now, many people who purchased amaryllis bulbs and plants for the holiday season may find the flowers at the end of their bloom cycle.  Here are some easy tips to help nurture them until next year so you can enjoy their flower show again!
 

1.  When the flower has died, cut the entire flower stem off right at the base of the leaves.
2. Put the plant in a sunny window and water lightly once or twice a week.
3. In the Spring, you can transplant the bulb to a garden space.  When planting the bulb, be sure to leave the top 1/3 of the bulb above the soil.  Plant in sun or part-sun.  If you don’t have a space to plant it outdoors, keep it near a sunny window until fall.  You can also move the potted amaryllis outside onto a patio.
4. Depending on where you live, you have one of two options in the fall.  If you live in planting zone 8-10, you can leave the bulbs outside and they will bloom next year in your garden.  If not, you need to dig them up after the first frost, cut the leaves back, trim the roots a bit, and put them in a cool, dry, dark place like a garage for 2-3 months.  If you brought a potted plant outdoors, wait for the first frost, cut the leaves back to leave just the bulb showing, and store it in a cool, dry, dark place in the pot.
5. In January, replant the bulbs in a container or bring the potted container out of storage and place it in a bright sunny window.  Water well, making sure there is good drainage.  Water gently once or twice a week and within a week or two you will see the bulbs starting to come back to life.  Your amaryllis bulbs will reward you for your efforts with more blooms each year.  Stake the blooming stems as needed for support.

 
Caring for plants that have completed their bloom cycle is another way to connect with our natural world.  With a little patience, orchids, amaryllis, African violets, and many other plants can become part of the family.
 
Here are some examples of my amaryllis bulb collection, some of which I have had for many years.

​Do you have a blooming plant that you would like to share?  Post a picture on social media and tag @TheNatureNurse so I can share it.  Have questions or comments?  Please post those in the comment section below.

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