It’s a real bummer when your Amaryllis (or *Ritterstern*) decides to stay in its shell instead of showing off those gorgeous, giant blooms. After all, that spectacular winter flower is the whole reason we love these plants! If yours is being a bit stubborn, don’t worry—it’s usually a simple fix. Here is why your plant might be shy and how you can coax those blossoms out.
Not enough light? No flowers for you!
If your Amaryllis isn’t blooming, the first thing you should check is its location. These beauties are native to South America, which means they are total sun-worshippers. To feel at home, they need plenty of warmth and bright light. A sunny windowsill is usually your best bet. For a colorful show, make sure your plant gets at least 4 hours of direct sun a day. If it’s stuck in a dark corner, it’s just not going to have the energy to bloom.
The secret is in the “Beauty Sleep”
To get your Amaryllis to bloom year after year, it absolutely needs a 12-week rest period. This mimics the subtropical growth cycle and gives the bulb time to recharge. If you skip this “dormancy” phase, you’re likely going to be looking at a lot of green leaves but zero winter flowers.
How to treat your Amaryllis right
- Once the flowers fade, snip off the withered blooms.
- Keep watering the plant as usual.
- From May through July, give it a boost with liquid fertilizer every two weeks.
- In late August, move the plant to a cool, semi-shaded spot (a basement is perfect).
- Stop watering and fertilizing entirely.
- Let your Amaryllis chill in the basement from September until early November.
Post-nap TLC
When you bring your plant back into the living room in November, start by carefully cutting away any dried-up leaves. During its rest, the bulb has pulled in all those nutrients to create a “reserve” for the winter show.
If you see roots poking out of the bottom of the pot, it’s time for a upgrade! Make sure the new pot gives the bulb a little breathing room. Start watering again, but take it slow—just a little bit at a time. Keep it in a bright, semi-shaded spot at around 68°F (20°C) to start. By May, it’ll be ready to move back to its favorite sunny spot to soak up the heat.
