A Welcome Treat for the Winter

During the grey days of winter, a blooming Amaryllis is always a welcome treat.  There are so many beautiful varieties of Amaryllis; it is hard to hold back when purchasing new bulbs. The great news is that your Amaryllis from this year can brighten your home again next year. Below are some easy steps to get your Amaryllis to re-bloom. One caveat: this process will not work well with the wax coated bulbs.

1. After the Amaryllis blooms, trim the flowers and cut the stem short.

2. Place the plant in a spot that receives good light. The plant will produce 3-6 long, leggy, green leaves. In the summer you can take the Amaryllis outside, but avoid direct midday sun. Water and fertilize the plant regularly, the soil should be moist not wet. Make sure the bulb does not sit in water and become soggy. 

3. In late summer/early fall, stop watering the plant and place it in a cool dark spot for 10-12 weeks. The cool temperatures, lack of water and sunlight will force the plant to become dormant. This is a rest period for the plant so it can re-bloom. The long green leaves will turn brown and shrivel. After 10-12 weeks, cut off the brown leaves, repot and water the bulb. Bring the Amaryllis into a bright room and water regularly. In 5-6 weeks you will have a beautiful bloom to enjoy. You can stagger the times you bring the bulbs out of dormancy so you can have blooming plants through the winter.