While we usually think of them as winter stars, your Amaryllis (or *Hippeastrum*) actually uses the summer months to prep for its next big show. Deep inside that bulb, tiny new buds are already starting to form! To make sure your plant has everything it needs for this crucial growth phase, you’ll want to give it some extra TLC over the summer. Here’s how to keep your Amaryllis happy and healthy during the warmer months.
Your Amaryllis wants a summer vacation outdoors
Once the blooming season wraps up, go ahead and clear away any wilted flowers and the dried-up main stalk. Keep up with your regular watering and feeding for now. After the last frost has passed and the weather stays warm, it’s time to start your summer care routine:
- Move your Amaryllis to a warm, sunny spot. They absolutely love being out on a balcony or in the garden.
- Don’t rush it, though! Give your plant about 10 days in a semi-shaded spot to acclimate before moving it into full sun. If you put this “blooming beauty” directly into intense sunlight too fast, it can actually scorch or kill the plant.
- Once it’s hardened off, you can even sink the whole pot right into your garden bed.
- Keep watering regularly from the bottom and treat it to a liquid flowering plant fertilizer every two weeks.
If you do decide to “plant” it in your garden bed, I highly recommend keeping the bulb in its pot—it acts as a little shield against hungry critters. Just make sure the pot has great drainage so the roots don’t get soggy.
Don’t be surprised by a summer encore!
If your Amaryllis is feeling extra cozy, it might actually surprise you with a second bloom in the summer. If that happens, just stick to your care routine and add these quick steps:
- Use a sharp pair of scissors to snip off any wilted petals from the main stalk.
- Wait until all the flowers on a stalk are done before cutting the main stem back.
- If you see individual leaves turning brown, go ahead and trim those out.
- Make sure to leave the healthy green leaves alone—they’re busy gathering energy for the bulb!
A few extra tips
If you’ve been growing your Amaryllis in a glass vase, you’ll need to pot it up if you want it to survive the summer. Move the bulb into a pot with a mix of cactus soil and standard potting soil, burying it about halfway. Once it’s settled in, follow the same summer care tips for the garden or balcony, and your Ritterstern will be ready to shine again come winter!
