Amaryllis plants are known and loved for their beautiful vibrant colors. They grow into bulb-like flowers with pretty colors.
Many people believe Amaryllis to be a one-time plant, but if stored carefully and properly, they can bloom all year long.
This article will tell you ways you can store an amaryllis bulb for a longer bloom cycle.
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How to store Amaryllis bulbs
To store amaryllis bulbs, start by reducing the water supply and allowing the leaves to wither to make the plant enter dormancy. Rid the plant of the dead leaves, dig out the bulb from the soil, and keep it in a dark, cold place inside a paper bag for about 6-10 weeks.
Storing Amaryllis Bulbs: Step-by-Step Guide
Amaryllis bulbs can be stored when they are not blooming.
But for that you would have to make sure you store them properly, or else they will just die and go to waste.
Once the plant has stopped sprouting new flowers, you have to let it go dormant.
For Amaryllis to go dormant, you should reduce the water supply and let the leaves die.
Once the plant is no longer growing new leaves, get rid of the dead ones by cutting them and separating them from the green ones.
Just make sure to avoid damaging the amaryllis’ stem.
Take out the amaryllis bulb from the soil and store it in a dark and cold place, preferably in a paper bag.
Keep the bulb away from sunlight and water for at least 6 to 10 weeks in a cool place.
A dormant amaryllis bulb can rest for some time before deciding to take it out.
Reviving Amaryllis: The How-tos
When you decide to take your plant out of hibernation and start working on it to bloom, make sure you take baby steps and do not rush.
Let the bulb revive on its own and get ready for blooming.
Place the bulb in a pot that is big enough for the plant when it is thriving, and pick a pot that has good water drainage holes.
Drowning the soil in water can damage the plant and hinder its growth.
You can have a look at different pots online for easy order and delivery.
Once you have placed the plant in a pot, place it in a sunny and well-lit location and start watering the plant.
But make sure you water it in moderation because it has been resting for some time and is not used to too much water.
Overdoing it can cause the plant to wilt and eventually die. The soil inside the container or pot should only be moist, not wet and drowning in water.
Wait for the soil to dry out 2 to 3 inches from the top before you start the watering cycles again.
When watering Amaryllis, make sure you are careful not to moisten the exposed part of the bulb, as that too can result in the plant wilting and dying.
When you notice that the plant has started sprouting again, pick it from its previous sunny spot and place it somewhere cool and with less direct sunlight.
When the weather moves towards summers, place the pot outside in a sunny location once again to speed up its thriving.
If it’s a rainy season, then make sure to have a pot that has an effective drainage system. Drainage holes will lessen the chances of your amaryllis dying from drowning.
To aid the growth of newer leaves and flowers, make sure to use a good fertilizer. You can purchase them either from an online seller or visit your local market.
When Amaryllis starts sprouting…
You need to start preparing at least 6 to 8 weeks before you want your Amaryllis to start blooming.
Once they are back in their active environment and ready to start blooming, you will start noticing little sprouts that indicate that the plant is back to its alive form.
You need to take things slow to acclimatize the amaryllis into its new home. Only then will it grow healthy and steady.
If you rush to get the plant to start blooming, you might negatively affect it and damage its growth instead.
When you have taken the plant out of hibernation, keep shifting it between a cool and a sunny place.
Don’t overexpose your amaryllis to sunlight too soon.
Keep it indoors with indirect light for some days before placing it outside.
You would also have to keep a check on the amount of time you are keeping the plant outside in direct sunlight.
When kept under suitable conditions, you will soon start noticing that your plant has started sprouting newer leaves and buds.
When to Repot your Amaryllis
Repotting a plant depends on its growth and whether or not it needs a different pot.
Amaryllis is the kind of plant that doesn’t grow too big too soon.
You might have to use a smaller pot for the first couple of years before repotting it to a bigger one.
Start looking for a bigger and sturdier pot when you think your plant has grown enough that it does not fit into its smaller pot.
You need to take into consideration that whatever pot you pick has to have a firm and heavy base and enough room at the bottom for the roots to grow out comfortably.
A pot with a smaller base will result in intertwined roots that can slow down the growth of a plant and can cause it to wilt.
Once you have found the right pot, shift your Amaryllis into it.
Make sure the soil in the pot is loose and well-draining before placing your Amaryllis into it.
Once you have shifted the plant into the new pot, start your routine of taking care of the plant how you normally would.
Conclusion
Make sure to properly store your Amaryllis bulbs in favorable conditions that will help keep it alive even if it is dormant.
Do a little research before you start storing amaryllis in order to know more about the conditions your plant should be kept in.
Know about different methods and ways you can keep your plant safe in dormant mode.
Once you are ready to revive it, make sure you do that carefully as well.
If you are not careful, your Amaryllis could wilt and die due to unfavorable conditions.
Overall, just do your research well and follow the instructions as closely as you can to have a long-lasting amaryllis plant that stays vibrant and beautiful all year long.
Daniel has been a plant enthusiast for over 20 years. He owns hundreds of houseplants and prepares for the chili growing seasons yearly with great anticipation. His favorite plants are plant species in the Araceae family, such as Monstera, Philodendron, and Anthurium. He also loves gardening and is growing hot peppers, tomatoes, and many more vegetables.