Amaryllis bulb produce absolutely sensational bloom around the holidays that can brighten up any home . Their huge trumpet - shaped bloom number in a variety of gorgeous colors like deep red pink , livid , and salmon . And with right care , a single amaryllis bulb can keep flower for tenner , becoming a precious living heirloom passed down through generations .
In this comprehensive guide , we ’ll cover everything you need to know about the lifespan of amaryllis bulbs and how to give care for them so they ’ll peak yr after year .
Overview of Amaryllis Bulb Lifespan
Amaryllis bulbs are exceptionally long - live , even though the flowers fade each season . A bulb can be brought back into flush for at least 20 years or more , if care for properly . There are stories of bulb becoming home heirloom , being lapse down from female parent to girl , from grandmother to granddaughter .
The key is to provide conditions that mimic the bulb ’s aboriginal tropical habitat after inflorescence is finish . This allow the medulla oblongata to recharge and store up energy for next year ’s bloom . It ’s a simple procedure , but each whole tone is important for the bulb ’s health and longevity .
Choosing High Quality Bulbs
You want to start out with the highest quality amaryllis bulbs possible , as they will produce the big , most spectacular flush and live the longest . Look for bulbs that are expectant , firm , and unblemished . stave off any that are wither , moldy , or have soft spots . The biggest , healthiest bulbs will give the good blooms and live the longest .
Invest in the largest bounty bulbs you could yield , at least 2 inches or more in diam . Bulbs sold in garden center are commonly a better bet than cheap market memory board medulla . Specialty amaryllis from reputable online sellers are also a outstanding choice .
Planting Amaryllis Bulbs
constitute bulbs in a container not much wider than the bulb itself . opt a heavy flowerpot that will support the tall , top - heavy blooms . verify the pot has drain holes .
habituate a well - drain potting mix , not garden ground which stays too wet . Place some mixing in the bottom of the pot and congeal the electric light on top of it , roots down . Leave about 1/3 of the bulb exposed above the filth line . Add more mix around the lightbulb , result just the very top of the electric light poking out .
piddle sparingly at first , keep the filth just slenderly damp until sprouts emerge . Once growth begins , water regularly to keep the soil reasonably moist but not soggy wet .

Caring for Amaryllis During Winter Bloom
Place bulbs in a brilliant spot out of verbatim sun . ferment the pot sporadically so stems grow square . Tall varieties may necessitate stake to prevent flopping .
Keep dirt moist but not always crocked while leaves and flowers are grow . go for houseplant fertiliser every 2 - 4 weeks . Prolong bloom by moving plants to a cooler spot after blossom open .
When blooms are finished , cut off pass off flower stalks but leave the foliage . Continue caring for the plant as a houseplant while the foliage refill the bulb to set bud for next year .
Getting Amaryllis to Rebloom
The Francis Scott Key to getting amaryllis to rebloom year after year is proper care after bloom .
Keep watering and fertilize the flora through the summertime as the foliage photosynthesize . you could move pots outdoors in warm weather . In fall , let the leafage to yellow and break down back naturally as you withhold water .
Once all foliage has expire back , hack off the utter leaves and place the dormant electric light in a nerveless , dark place for 6 - 8 weeks . A temperature around 50 ° F is ideal for this important dormancy time period .
After the rest period , hack off any dried root or hulls , repot in fresh mix if demand , water system sparingly , and move back to a gay windowpane . Be patient for leaves and blossom stalks to re - come forth .
Troubleshooting Issues
If bulbs break down to bloom , it ’s usually because they did n’t get the required quiescency time period . seek chilling bulbs for at least 8 weeks before re-start .
incline efflorescence stubble need more sunlight or documentation from stakes . Flopped blooms wo n’t recover , so interest amaryllis betimes .
If leaf come forth but no flower stalk , be patient — florets often survey . verify the plant life capture adequate sunlight .
Bulbs that do n’t grow at all may have rotted from overwatering . audit medulla and re - institute healthy ones in invigorated , well - drain mix .
Displaying Amaryllis
Amaryllis make particular thinned flowers that can last up to two weeks . Cut rosiness once the first flower has opened fully . Re - contract under water every few years and change the water day by day .
For dramatic displays , plant multiple bulbs together in one gravid pot . Or combine varieties with different bloom times .
Grow amaryllis in decorative cachepots or bulbs bowls . Pair them with evergreens , candles , and holiday decorations . Give potted amaryllis as festive gifts .
Enjoy Amaryllis Bulbs for Many Years
How long do amaryllis blooms last?
Amaryllis blooms last about 3 week . To get amaryllis to rebloom , prune off become flat bloom and yellow stalks . Once summer arrive , plant it outside and water and feed regularly . contribute it back indoors before the first rime of fall and snip off off dead leave of absence . Store the bulb for 6 - 8 workweek in a cool , dark area .
Reader Success Stories
Amaryllis Done Blooming? Here’s What to Do // Garden Answer
FAQ
How long can you keep an amaryllis bulb ?
What do you do with an amaryllis electric-light bulb after it has flower ?
How many times a yr can an amaryllis bloom ?
How do you know if I amaryllis bulb is still adept ?