If you give your amaryllis a little extra TLC, you can actually coax it into blooming again during the summer! It’s easier than you might think, but there are a few tricks to getting those gorgeous flowers to make a second appearance. Here’s how to set your plant up for success.
Tip 1: Post-Winter Aftercare
When that winter bloom starts to fade around February, don’t just toss the bulb! This is the critical moment to prep for a summer encore.
Here’s your game plan:
- Prune those withered flowers right away. This prevents the plant from wasting energy on seed production.
- Once the flower stalk turns yellow, trim it down to about two inches above the bulb.
- Keep the soil lightly moist, and always try to water from the bottom.
- Starting in March, give your plant a boost with liquid fertilizer every two weeks.
- Whatever you do, leave those green leaves alone! They are the “powerhouse” that gathers energy for the next round of blooms.
Tip 2: Give Your Amaryllis Some Fresh Air
Once May rolls around and the nights stay consistently warm (no more frost!), it’s time for a field trip to the patio or balcony. For the first ten days, keep your plant in a semi-shaded spot so it can acclimate. After that, it’ll love a sunny location—just make sure it doesn’t get baked in stagnant heat.
Keep Up the Routine
If you keep up with your watering and feeding, you can expect a beautiful summer show. Don’t panic if the old winter leaves start to die off now; just snip them off with sharp shears to make room for fresh new growth.
Wind Down in August
Continue your regular fertilizing and watering schedule until August. After that, stop the fertilizer and gradually cut back on the water. This helps the bulb transition into its natural fall dormancy period.
A Few Final Thoughts
Because of those sturdy stems and show-stopping petals, amaryllis makes a fantastic cut flower. They can last over two weeks in a vase, instantly brightening up any room. They also make a wonderful “thank you” gift or a thoughtful surprise for a friend. Anyone who loves flowers will be obsessed with a custom amaryllis arrangement!
