Feeding Amaryllis Plants - Learn How And When To Fertilize Amaryllis Bulbs

Snip any dead leaves to encourage new growth, keep the bulb moist, and feed the amaryllis bulb a fertilizer that is lower in nitrogen, like 0-10-10 or 5-10-10, sometimes called a “blossom booster” fertilizer. Keep using this slow release fertilizer from March through September.

When should you fertilize amaryllis?

Make the first fertilizer application as new growth begins, then repeat the application when the flower stalk is 6 to 8 inches tall. Apply a third application immediately after flowering when the old flower heads and flower stems have been removed.

Are coffee grounds good for amaryllis?

They like slightly acid soil so many add a sprinkling of coffee grounds to the standard potting soil. When repotting, try not to disturb the roots too much. You may experience fewer blooms after repotting until the roots resettle. Mature plants should only be repotted when the plant is pot-bound.

How do I make my amaryllis bloom faster?

HOW TO GET AN AMARYLLIS BULB TO REBLOOM

Remove the Flowers and Stalks. Snip off the flowers as they fade and cut the stems to within an inch the bulb. ...
Give It Sun. After the bulb flowers, it will produce several long, strappy leaves. ...
Feed and Don't Overwater. ...
Let It Rest. ...
Repot for a Second Appearance.

How often do I water my amaryllis bulb?

Water until the potting mix is thoroughly moist, but avoid wetting the exposed portion of the bulb. Place your newly planted amaryllis in a sunny spot and you should have blooms in about 8-10 weeks. Amaryllis does not like to sit in water, so wait until the top 2 inches of soil are dry to water again.

How many years will an amaryllis bulb bloom?

How many years will an amaryllis bulb bloom? With proper care, an amaryllis bulb will grow and bloom for decades. One grower claims his bulb has bloomed every year for 75 years!

What kind of fertilizer do Amaryllis need?

Amaryllis fertilizer requirements are not particularly special; pretty much any slow release or liquid fertilizer that has an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10. If using a slow release fertilizer, apply every 3-4 months. When using a liquid fertilizer, feed the plant 2-4 times monthly either every week or bi-monthly.

Why is my amaryllis only growing leaves?

Amaryllis grows leaves but no flowers if you try to get the plant to rebloom too quickly. The bulb needs time to store up nutrients, followed by an essential dormant period. ... During this time your amaryllis has no flowers, just leaves. Only then should you stop watering and let the bulb dry out.

What do I do after my amaryllis has flowered?

After the flowers have faded, cut the flower stalk to within 1" of the top of the bulb. Continue to water and feed the plant regularly with a liquid houseplant fertilizer. Amaryllis will grow a number of leaves during the spring and summer. This will help the plant produce energy for the following year's bloom.

How do you increase the size of an amaryllis bulb?

If at all possible, you might also try extending or enhancing the light they receive by either planting them outdoors in the summer or using some supplemental lights. Finally, make sure that they are in pots large enough to sustain their increased size, as well as in soil that is refreshed regularly.

How do you care for a potted amaryllis?

Place the plant in a sunny window and water when the soil surface is nearly dry. Fertilize every 2 to 4 weeks with a water-soluble houseplant fertilizer. The amaryllis can be moved outdoors in late May or early June. Harden or acclimate the plant to the outdoors by initially placing it in a shady, protected area.

Will amaryllis bulbs multiply?

Plant bulbs in drifts in your garden for a big show of color. They should bloom the following year, around Mother's Day. If you live in the Upper or Middle South, you can leave your amaryllis in their pots for years. They will multiply and like being crowded.

How do you care for amaryllis bulbs in water?

Amaryllis in Water Care

Place your jar in a sunny windowsill.
Maintain temps of at least 60-75 degrees F. (15-23 C.), as the bulb depends on the warmth to help with sprouting.
Keep an eye on the water level, checking daily, and add as needed – changing the water once a week is preferable.

Do I need to water my amaryllis bulb?

Amaryllis bulbs need constant moisture during the main growing season of spring and early summer. The first 2 inches of soil need to be damp for proper growth. The key is to keep the bulb moist during growth so that it has ample resources for large blossom development.

Do you water amaryllis from the top or bottom?

Water the potted bulb ONCE thoroughly, from top and bottom of the pot. Do not water regularly until new green growth appears at the top of the neck. If the soil dries out before that time, water no more than once per week, preferably from the bottom of the pot (see below).

Can amaryllis bloom twice a year?

Although amaryllis are typically only sold around the holidays, they can be grown successfully year-round and bloom again as long as they receive proper care.

How do you save amaryllis bulbs next year?

To store the bare bulb, carefully lift the bulb out of the soil and brush off the soil. Store the bulb in a paper bag or a box with peat, sawdust or perlite. Allow the pot, or the bulb to remain in that cool place — without watering for at least six weeks, usually 8 to 10 weeks.

What month do amaryllis bloom?

When do amaryllis bloom? In the garden they bloom in March, April, or May, depending on the variety. Some may produce bloom spikes again in the fall. Container-grown amaryllis will bloom indoors six to eight weeks after potting.

Should I cut the leaves off my amaryllis?

If you cut off the leaves, you're weakening your plant. ... You can cut off the stem if you want, but make sure you keep the leaves in place. Water the plant while it's blooming and keep watering the plant when the bloom is done.

Why are the leaves on my amaryllis turning yellow?

When they don't get the right amount of water, fertilizer or sunlight at the proper time in their bloom cycle, it may result in limp, yellow leaves. You can prevent this situation and increase your plant's lifespan by keeping its basic needs in mind. Water: Amaryllis need frequent watering and excellent drainage.

Is bone meal good for amaryllis?

Proper amaryllis fertilizing can be key to a healthy plant and stunning blooms. To promote the production of flowers in amaryllis, use a fertilizer high in phosphorus. Bone meal is one option. Fertilizing regularly during the bulbs' dormant period is especially important in promoting new blooms.