Caring for amaryllis after flowering period

Amaryllis is famous for its huge flowers that form on a tall, upright stem. The great advantage of amaryllis is that it blooms in winter when almost all plants are in a dormant period. The flowering period ends in February but that does not mean that you do not have to do anything. Proper care for your dormant amaryllis is important if you want to have amaryllis that blooms nice again next year.

What to do with amaryllis after flowering

If you leave the plant without any care its stem will gradually bend down and fade. This weakens the plant and weak plant attracts various pests and diseases. That is why it is a good idea to cut the stem after flowering.Yes, but do not cut leaves. It is also beneficial if you fertilize the plant and water it as needed. You should fertilize a lot and you should do that until the end of August.

Photo: Pixabay

Why is fertilization important?

It might seem that fertilizing a plant in a dormant period should not be required. After all it is a standard procedure for most plants but amaryllis is an exception. Fertilization is needed to allow bulbs to produce enough substances needed for new flowers. Basically you are fertilizing to strengthen the plant’s bulb. Again, it is important to preserve leaves.

Dormant period

Remove the bulb from the pot at the beginning of September. Now is the time to cut off leaves and remove the soil. Be very careful. You do not want to damage delicate roots. Store bulbs in a room where the temperature remains from 12 to 16 °C for 2 to 3 months. This is important if you want your amaryllis bloom again nicely. During the dormant period the plant creates buds in the bulb, from which future flowers will form. If the temperature is lower, buds will not form as cool temperatures stop the process. After two to three months, you can plant bulbs in a soil.

Source: https://dvojka.rozhlas.cz/co-s-odkvetlym-amarylisem-7517776

Preview photo: Pixabay