Amaryllis Blooms for the Holidays: Guidelines for Storage, Cultivation, and Additional Information
Caring for Your Amaryllis: A Guide to Re-Blooming the Stunning Flower
The Amaryllis, a plant steeped in mythic romance, is not only a beautiful addition to any home but can also be encouraged to bloom season after season with the right care. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you nurture your Amaryllis and enjoy its blooms year after year.
After Blooming
Once all flowers on the flower stalk have faded, it's important to cut the stem back to within a few inches of the bulb. This step prepares the bulb for storage. Leave the leaves intact, as they help the bulb gather energy for the next bloom.
Watering and Light
Continue watering your Amaryllis and place it in bright, indirect light to allow the leaves to photosynthesize. This helps the plant to store energy for the dormant period.
Dormant Period
Once the leaves yellow and die back naturally, reduce watering and let the bulb rest in a dry, cool place for about 8-12 weeks. This dormant period is crucial for the bulb's health and promotes flowering in the following season.
Repotting and Reblooming
After the dormant period, repot the bulb in fresh soil, water it, and put it in a warm location to encourage new growth and rebloom.
Taking Care of Individual Flowers
As individual flowers on the plant fade, carefully snip them off. This helps to focus the plant's energy on producing new blooms.
The Alfresco Amaryllis
The Alfresco Amaryllis bulb, a popular choice, comes with a bamboo planter that can be used for an indoor herb garden when the Amaryllis is out of season. The Alfresco Amaryllis prefers bright, indirect light and takes between four and seven weeks to bloom.
Importance of Storage
Store the dormant bulb in a cool, dark, and dry place for a minimum of eight weeks, or longer if desired. This helps the bulb to rest and prepare for the next blooming season.
Watering and Fertilizing
Initially, water the bulb sparingly to avoid overwhelming it. Water sparingly until you see about two inches of new growth, then water regularly. To encourage the plant to blossom again, water and nourish it with a liquid houseplant fertilizer.
Origins of the Amaryllis
In Greek Mythology, the Amaryllis originated from the love of a maiden named Amaryllis for a shepherd named Alteo. The name and story connect the flower to themes of love and sacrifice.
Variety and Importance
There are over 600 varieties of Amaryllis, and the United States imports over 10 million bulbs annually, most of which come from Holland and South Africa. The Amaryllis is a traditional symbol of determination, beauty, and love.
By following these steps, you can maintain the health of your Amaryllis bulb and promote flowering in the following season. Enjoy the beauty and romance of the Amaryllis in your home year after year.
After enjoying the beauty of the Amaryllis in your home, consider expanding your home-and-garden lifestyle by experimenting with gardening. During the dormant period, you can repurpose your Alfresco Amaryllis bulb's bamboo planter for a small home-and-garden project, such as a miniature home-and-garden or a home-and-garden-inspired home décor arrangement. With the vibrant colors and captivating charm of the Amaryllis, you can easily create a stunning addition to your lifestyle and home-and-garden.
