As a colorful cut flower, the elegant Amaryllis is the perfect finishing touch for any festive tablescape. To make sure you get to enjoy those spectacular blooms for as long as possible, there are a few pro tips you should keep in mind. Here’s how to keep your floral display looking fresh and fabulous.
Amaryllis in a Vase: Getting it Right
First things first, choose a vase that’s at least three-quarters as tall as the stems. These flowers are top-heavy, and a tall vase prevents the stems from snapping under the weight of the blossoms.
Here’s your step-by-step setup:
- Fill your vase with lukewarm water and stir in some flower food.
- Don’t overfill it; a moderate amount of water is better than drowning the stems.
- Take each Amaryllis stem and trim about 1.5 inches off the bottom with a sharp pair of scissors or a floral knife.
- Pro tip: Wrap the base of the stem with a little bit of floral tape or twine to keep the ends from curling upward.
- For extra support, carefully slide a sturdy floral wire up into the hollow stems to keep them standing tall.
How to Keep Your Bouquet Fresh for Weeks
When it comes to placement, a cut Amaryllis loves the same spot as its potted cousins: somewhere bright and warm.
Follow these maintenance tricks, and your blooms can last up to two full weeks:
Change the Water Regularly
You’ll want to swap out the water every three days. If the water gets cloudy or milky, bacteria can move in and cause the stems to rot—definitely not what we want!
Give Them a Fresh Trim
Every time you change the water, give the stems a quick fresh snip and adjust your tape or twine. This is also a good time to check that your support wires are still doing their job so those heavy heads don’t droop.
The Charcoal and Sugar Hack
If you’ve run out of store-bought flower food, don’t sweat it! You can use an old-school gardener’s trick: just add a small piece of charcoal and a pinch of sugar to the fresh water. It works like a charm to keep the water clean and the flowers fed.
One quick safety note: Always wear gloves when handling these beauties. Amaryllis are toxic and can cause itchy skin irritation if you aren’t careful.
Tips for Picking the Best Blooms
When you’re at the flower shop, look for stems with closed buds that are already showing their deep color. Check the bottom of the stem, too—it should be smooth, not frayed or mushy. If you pick a healthy bunch and follow these steps, you’ll have a stunning display that lasts at least 14 days!
