Save the Bulb and Enjoy Another Year of Flowers
There’s nothing difficult about getting an amaryllis bulb to bloom a second time. But you do need to be prepared to wait almost a full year for more flowers. During that time, you'll be helping the bulb build up enough energy to bloom again. Here’s how to do it:
Remove the Flowers and Stalks. Snip off the flowers as they fade and then cut the stems short, to within an inch the bulb. If you grew the bulb in water rather than soil, transplant it into a pot with a drainage hole, leaving the top half of the bulb above the soil surface. Be sure to select a pot that's deep enough to accommodate several inches of roots beneath the bulb.
Give It Sun. After the bulb has flowered, it will send out 3 to 6 long, strap-like leaves. As with other flower bulbs, amaryllis use their leaves to produce energy for next year’s flowers. During this time it's important for the plant to receive plenty of light. Grow your amaryllis like a houseplant for the rest of winter and spring. After danger of frost has passed, you can move the pot outside for the summer. Once outdoors, keep your amaryllis in a sunny spot, but protect the foliage from hot afternoon sun.
Feed and Don’t Overwater. Amaryllis are happy to grow in pots and this is also a good way to minimize the risk of overwatering. The bulb should stay dry and the soil should be barely moist -- never soggy. If your summers are wet, you may need to shield the pot from rain. Fertilize once or twice a month so the leaves stay lush and green.
Let It Rest. In late summer or early fall, stop watering and move the potted bulb to a cool (55°F), dry location, away from bright light. A basement or garage is ideal. The leaves will gradually wither as the plant goes dormant. Leave the bulb alone and don’t water it.
Repot for a Second Appearance. After your amaryllis has rested for 2 to 5 months, you can start again. There’s no rush, so if you have several bulbs you may want to start them at different times. Repot the bulb using fresh growing mix. Water once and move the pot into a bright, 60-65°F room. Water sparingly until the bulb is in active growth.
