How to make an amaryllis bloom again
Have you ever wondered why some amaryllis bloom again while others only produce leaves? Usually, you can get an amaryllis to bloom again if the bulb gets enough rest.
Hippeastrum hybrids, also known as amaryllis, are fairly easy to get to bloom if you buy a prepared bulb in late autumn. Continuing their cultivation can be a bit tricky, but knowing their growth requirements will help you in getting them to bloom again.
Hippeastrum come from the tropical or subtropical climates of South America’s mountain regions, but summer temperatures in Northern Europe are more than adequate for them.
After the growing season, Hippeastrum need about two months of rest in a cool place. During this time, buds begin to form. Once they appear, plant the bulbs in fresh soil and move them into a warm, bright spot.
In Finland, Hippeastrum are often brought to bloom around Christmas, which isn’t ideal for the plant as there’s very little sunlight. After flowering, it’s important to encourage leaf and bulb growth so the bulb can store enough energy to produce new flower stalks the next autumn.
The best way to help Hippeastrum thrive is to provide them with as much light as possible after flowering and replace the soil as spring progresses. If the plants slip into dormancy too early in spring, the bulbs won’t be able to grow large enough.
Plant amaryllis outdoors for the summer
During the summer, the bulbs should be encouraged to grow as large as possible. The best approach is to plant them outside, perhaps by a south-facing wall, and fertilize generously with composted cow or horse manure or chicken manure pellets.
Amaryllis bulbs love warmth, so a bit of leaf scorching isn’t a problem. However, the soil shouldn’t dry out, as this can stop the bulbs’ development. By autumn, the bulbs should be quite substantial.
Let the bulbs rest in autumn
Stop watering well before the first frosts, lift the bulbs, and remove the leaves and most of the roots. Hippeastrum often have fungal infections that appear as red patches on the bulb’s surface. It’s best to peel off any severely damaged outer layers.
Place the bulbs in a cool, dark spot for at least two months so they can rest. This is crucial because that’s when flower buds begin forming inside the bulb.
When you see flower buds beginning to emerge, plant the bulbs in fresh soil, water lightly, and move them into a bright spot. Too much heat will make the flower stalks grow too tall, so around 20°C (68°F), or slightly below, works well.
If the bulbs haven’t grown enough during summer or if the resting period was too short, the flower buds won’t develop.
Hippeastrum rutilum doesn’t tolerate resting in the dark or having its leaves cut off.
Read more:
6 beautiful ideas for an amaryllis arrangement [in Finnish]
How to keep your amaryllis going strong—see our care instructions [in Finnish]
