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should i cut back my amaryllis

by Ms. Rosalia Koelpin Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  • The only exception to the rule here is if the stem is too long for the vase and the amaryllis is at risk of breaking because it’s so top-heavy. If this is the case, go ahead and trim the stem so that it can rest safely in the vase.
  • Make sure the vase you’re using is clean and dust-free. ...

Cut the old flowers from the stem after flowering, and when the stem starts to sag, cut it back to the top of the bulb. Leaf Growth and Development. Continue to water and fertilize as normal all summer, or for at least 5-6 months, allowing the leaves to fully develop and grow.

Full Answer

How do you prune an amaryllis after it blooms?

0:546:00Amaryllis Care, After Flowering - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipJust cut them off like there. You can see just behind the green seed pod and between the stem likeMoreJust cut them off like there. You can see just behind the green seed pod and between the stem like that and then just leave the green stem.

What is the lifespan of an amaryllis?

With proper care, an amaryllis bulb will grow, bloom, and rebloom for decades. The average lifespan of a bulb is about 25 years, though it's not unheard of for an heirloom amaryllis to be passed down through families for 50 years or more.

Should I cut off dead amaryllis flowers?

Remove dead flowers from the stem as each blossom passes. Once all buds have bloomed and flowering is complete, cut the entire stem one to tow inches above the bulb. Leaves should be left on the plant until they turn yellow as they provide nutrients for the bulb so it will rebloom the next year.

What do you do with an amaryllis plant after it blooms?

After your amaryllis is done blooming, keep it in a sunny indoor location. Remove the faded flowers promptly to prevent them from forming seeds, which will deplete the plant of energy. But only remove the flower stalk when it has turned yellow because as long as it's green, it will promote photosynthesis.

How many times a year will an amaryllis 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! How often does an amaryllis bloom? The plant generally blooms once a year.

How do I keep my amaryllis bulb for next year?

Store your bulb in a cool, dry, dark place like an unheated but attached garage, your basement, or the crisper of a refrigerator where the temperature ranges between 50 and 55 Fahrenheit for eight to 12 weeks. Do not store amaryllis bulbs in a fridge that has apples inside because this will sterilize the bulbs.

When should I bring my amaryllis out of the dark?

The temperature should be around 50-60 degrees. Let the leaves become brown and dry before cutting them off. Leave the potted bulb in the dark for 8 to 12 weeks.

Can an amaryllis bloom twice?

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 many blooms does an amaryllis have?

Flowers: An amaryllis bulb may have one, two, or three stalks. Multiple stalks may appear at the same time or consecutively. Usually the first flower stalk appears before the straplike foliage begins to show. A flower stalk will often have 2 to 4 blooms on it, and occasionally 6 flowers will appear.

Can you leave bulbs in pots?

You can grow virtually any bulb in containers, and you can mix different types of bulbs together, too. In fact, it's a lot like growing bulbs in the ground. Start with a container with drainage holes so that excess water can escape, and plant your bulbs in the fall.

How long does an indoor amaryllis last?

Your amaryllis flowers can actually last longer when cut and put in a vase. These bold plants look stunning for up to three weeks when properly handled and cared for.

How long do potted amaryllis blooms last?

2-3 weeksIndividual amaryllis flowers will generally last for 2-3 weeks. The flower spikes will grow three flowers, and most of the time those flowers will open at different times, extending the bloom time for several weeks.

Does an amaryllis bulb come back every 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.

Is it worth keeping an amaryllis bulb?

Amaryllis flowers are very popular early-blooming bulbs that make for big, dramatic splashes of color in the dead of winter. Once those impressive blossoms have faded, however, it's not over. Storing amaryllis bulbs over the winter is an easy and effective way to get recurring blooms for years to come.

Why do amaryllis bulbs need to be pruned?

Amaryllis bulbs, like all flowering bulbs, need pruning at specific times during their growth to keep the bulbs healthy and capable of producing repeat blooms. Pruning too soon can negatively impact its ability to bloom in the future, as the bulb is still receiving energy from the foliage as long as it is green.

How long does it take for an amaryllis bulb to bloom?

After planting, it takes around six to eight weeks for the bulb to produce flowers, according to the University of Florida.

How tall do amaryllis flowers grow?

Of course, with amaryllis, it’s all about the stunning seasonal flowers. Bulbs generally produce one or two flower stems that grow around 18 inches tall. At the top of each flower stem, two to six blooms usually develop, according to Missouri Botanical Garden.

Do amaryllis bulbs produce more flowers?

With proper care, you can enjoy these elaborate blooms year after year. In fact, the amaryllis bulb will even produce additional plants. However, pruning affects flower production, so it’s important to know when and when not to pull out the trimming tools.

Can amaryllis be grown indoors?

If you are fortunate enough to live in a consistently warm climate where winter temperatures aren’t freezing, you can grow your amaryllis outdoors year-round. These bulbs grow well planted directly in the ground or grown in a container. However, if your winter temperatures are extremely cold, bring the amaryllis indoors for winter protection. When planted in the garden, amaryllis performs best in well-drained soil. Whether grown in a container or directly in the garden, select a location receiving partial sun, as too much shade negatively affects flower production and growth.

Who is Joyce Starr?

Joyce Starr has been a professional writer and editor for over 15 years, specializing in the topics of horticulture and home improvement. For 20 years, she’s owned a garden center and landscaping/consulting business and holds numerous horticulture certificates. She’s covered numerous DIY home topics and has hundreds of articles published on gardening topics. Her work appears in SpaceCoast Living magazine, Atlanta Constitution Journal, SFGate Home Guides, 1-800-Flowers and many more.

How to get rid of red blotch on bulbs?

Discard the cut leaves in a trash bin or on a compost heap. Sterilize the pruning shears with the bleach solution after each cut to prevent the spread of disease or pathogens, such as red blotch, a fungal disease that causes patches on the bulbs, deformed leaves and a fragile flower stalks, advises the University of Minnesota Extension.

How to clean pruning shears with bleach?

Fill a bowl one-fourth to one-half full of a 10 percent bleach solution. Dip the blades of the pruning shears into the solution, submerging them for 20 to 30 seconds to clean them. Pull the blades out of the solution. Pat the metal dry with a soft cloth. Other sterilization options including wiping the blades with Lysol or other household disinfectant or ethanol or isopropyl alcohol.

How to keep bulbs from turning yellow?

Place potted bulbs in a dark, dry place with a constant temperature of 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Wait for the bulb's leaves to turn yellow to brown and become shriveled and dry. Get the Best Mortgage Rate for You | SmartAsset.com.

What is an amaryllis plant?

Amaryllis plants grow from bulbs that require a dormant period each year in order to bloom. The leaves will turn yellow and die back once the bulb enters dormancy.

How to sterilize pruning shears?

Clean dirt and plant material from the blade s before sterilizing. Fill a bowl one-fourth to one-half full of a 10 percent bleach solution. Dip the blades of the pruning shears into the solution, submerging them for 20 to 30 seconds to clean them. Pull the blades out of the solution.

How to cut off a leaf?

Cut horizontally across the width of a leaf with a pair of pruning shears, 1 inch above the point where the leaf joins the bulb. Make a single, smooth cut to leave a clean wound capable of healing quickly. Repeat this process to cut off all leaves, removing the outer leaves first.

Do you cut off amaryllis bulbs after they bloom?

This encourages re-blooming. However, be sure not to cut the green stalk. Amaryllis bulbs gather and store energy from their foliage after flowering. Avoid amaryllis problems by waiting to cut the leaves off before they turn yellow and die back.

How to cut a circle around an amaryllis?

Use a sharp garden spade to cut a circle around the clump of amaryllis bulbs. Keep the spade a few inches (8 cm.) away from any bulbs and cut deeply down into the soil. Then gently lift the bulb clump out of the earth; many gardeners prefer to use a garden fork for this step.

How to prepare amaryllis for transplant?

Before amaryllis plant division, you should prepare the new site or containers. Add soil or amendments to provide a well-draining, healthy soil to reduce transplant shock. Amaryllis bulbs will benefit from the addition of rich, organic matter. Pre-dig holes with a bulb planter or auger.

How to get dirt off bulbs?

Rinsing the bulbs with water or gently shaking them can help remove the dirt to allow you a better view. While some bulbs may easily separate or fall off the clump of bulbs, it may be necessary to use a clean, sharp knife to cut the bulbs apart.

Can amaryllis bulbs reproduce?

Like many bulbs, in time and with the right environmental conditions, outdoor amaryllis bulbs will reproduce and naturalize. Amaryllis plant division is not only a way to control amaryllis colonies, but it also keeps plants healthy while allowing you to make more of your own amaryllis bulb centerpieces.

When do amaryllis bloom?

Image by adaniya. Amaryllis plants are prized for their large, exotic, trumpet-shaped flowers which can be forced indoors to bloom during the winter months.

Can amaryllis bulbs grow in zones 8-11?

Separating Amaryllis Plants. In the United States, amaryllis bulbs can grow well outdoors in most parts of zones 8 through 11, with some varieties even overwintering in zone 7. In the right conditions, outdoor amaryllis plants will produce new bulbs each year, naturalizing into dense colonies. When too many bulbs form underground in ...

Cutting Back Amaryllis

After the Amaryllis Flower has bloomed and it has done it's thing through the summer, in the fall should I cut back all the leaves so it will go dormant. I have never done this before but I have seen on youtube that this should be done. I do live in Florida zone 9. Thanks

Comments (5)

I have never cut back any part of my Amaryllis so far. Why would you want to cut them back? They stay like looking thru the summer months here in Texas. How about pollinating them for seeds?

Timing and watering are key to make the gorgeous flowers come back

Nadia Hassani is a gardening expert with nearly 20 years of experience in landscaping, garden design, and vegetable and fruit gardening. She became a Penn State Master Gardener in 2006 and is a regular contributor to Penn State Master Gardener publications.

The Life Cycle of Amaryllis

Amaryllis, a plant native to Central and South America, does not undergo true dormancy. Instead, the bulbs go through a rest period after flowering which allows them to recover and bloom again.

Caring for Amaryllis After the Bloom

Amaryllis care after the bloom falls into three stages: during the leaf growth until late summer, the rest period in the fall, and regrowth and rebloom in the late fall/early to mid-winter. The care for your amaryllis also depends on whether you are timing the bloom, for example for a holiday, or let it rebloom naturally.

How to keep amaryllis blooming in winter?

If this is the case, move the plant to a windowsill with indirect sunlight to let it adjust to increased sunlight. Pick a spot that is bright and receives lots of sunlight, but not by direct exposure.

How long does it take for an amaryllis to bloom?

Horticulturalist Maggie Moran says, “The bloom typically lasts about 3 weeks for amaryllis, though the blooming period may be slightly longer or shorter depending on the growing conditions and health of the plant.”. ...

When do amaryllis bloom?

Amaryllis flowers usually appear in winter or spring, and last several weeks before fading. Compared to most flowers, amaryllis bulbs are easily encouraged to bloom additional times, but for best results they require proper treatment year round to ensure they are developing correctly through each season. If your amaryllis flowers dropped some time ...

How to keep a plant from burning?

Continue to water regularly. Check the soil daily and water whenever it is dry or almost dry. Water the soil around the plant, not the leaves or bulb. Avoid watering any plants during the hottest part of the day, since the hot water can burn the plant. Keep the soil moist, not soaked.

Can amaryllis be planted in a refrigerator?

If you do not have a suitable area for a pot, you may carefully remove the bulb and roots from the soil and place it in the crisper (vegetable drawer) of a refrigerator. Always bring the amaryllis in before the first frost, which typically occurs at 32ºF or 0ºC night temperature.

How to remove a flower that has faded?

Once a flower has faded, cut the flower where it meets the main stalk with a clean knife or scissors. Make sure to remove the green lump and thin green stem attaching the flower to the stalk.

Do sage leaves flop over?

The leaves may flop over when the plant is first moved outside, but with proper care new, more upright leaves should grow.

How to rest an amaryllis?

In the early fall when the amaryllis has become accustomed to being outdoors, slowly stop watering the plant. Cut back water gradually until the plant can survive on its own. As the leaves brown, cut them off to keep them from drawing nutrients from the plant.

How to grow amaryllis in the sun?

Begin by putting your amaryllis outdoors in a shady area. After a few days of doing this, put the amaryllis in the sunlight, and expose it to more sunlight each day. One of the best tips on growing amaryllis you can heed is to set a buzzer to remind you when to get the amaryllis in from the sun to avoid killing the plant.

When do amaryllis bulbs bloom?

Growing amaryllis indoors requires little of you during the first winter. The bulb will be ready to bloom in early winter, around November, and most stalks will produce two to four flowers. All you need to do is keep the amaryllis watered and out of harm.

Can you replenish an amaryllis bulb after flowering?

Image by dmf87. If you know how to care for an amaryllis ( Amaryllis and Hippeastrum ), you can replenish your bulb after flowering and guide the amaryllis through additional growing seasons. Growing amaryllis indoors does take work, but the result is beautiful, bell-shaped flowers to brighten up your home.

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1.When to Cut Back Amaryllis? | eHow

Url:https://www.ehow.com/info_8529737_cut-back-amaryllis.html

28 hours ago The old flowers from the stem should be cut back to the top of the bulb when the stem starts to weaken. For at least 6 months, continue to water and fertilize as normal, allowing the leaves to …

2.When to Prune an Amaryllis | Home Guides | SF Gate

Url:https://homeguides.sfgate.com/prune-amaryllis-35042.html

21 hours ago  · Prune the flowers and stalk once it’s spent and before the amaryllis develops a seedpod, which depletes the amaryllis bulb’s energy. Wait until the flowers completely fade …

3.How to Cut the Green Leaves of an Amaryllis - SFGATE

Url:https://homeguides.sfgate.com/cut-green-leaves-amaryllis-69926.html

12 hours ago  · How to Cut the Green Leaves of an Amaryllis 1. Amaryllis Care in the Fall. Stop watering the amaryllis bulb in the fall, five to six months after it finishes... 2. Sanitize Pruning …

4.Dividing Outdoor Amaryllis - When To Split Amaryllis …

Url:https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/amaryllis-hippeastrum/dividing-amaryllis-in-garden.htm

7 hours ago Cutting Back Amaryllis. After the Amaryllis Flower has bloomed and it has done it's thing through the summer, in the fall should I cut back all the leaves so it will go dormant. I have never done …

5.Cutting Back Amaryllis - Houzz

Url:https://www.houzz.com/discussions/1735319/cutting-back-amaryllis

9 hours ago  · Otherwise, they can be trimmed back as needed before the plants produce new growth. Old or declining leaves can be removed from amaryllis at any time.

6.Trimming leaves on amaryllis plants - Orlando Sentinel

Url:https://www.orlandosentinel.com/features/os-fe-plant-doctor-tom-maccubbin-amaryllis-20200328-sgieoj355fdzxmpzemcz5ww7hu-story.html

19 hours ago  · Cut off the leaves after they have turned yellow and brown and trim the plant back one to two inches above the bulb. Alternatively, you can also let the plant go through its natural …

7.What to Do with Amaryllis After It Blooms - The Spruce

Url:https://www.thespruce.com/amaryllis-care-after-blooming-5211111

13 hours ago  · To get amaryllis to rebloom, start by cutting away faded blooms where the old flowers meet the main stalk of your plant. Next, cut back any yellow, sagging stalks within 2 …

8.How to Get Amaryllis to Rebloom (with Pictures) - wikiHow

Url:https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Amaryllis-to-Rebloom

7 hours ago  · Cut back water gradually until the plant can survive on its own. As the leaves brown, cut them off to keep them from drawing nutrients from the plant. The amaryllis should …

9.Caring For Amaryllis Plants - Tips For Growing Amaryllis

Url:https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/amaryllis-hippeastrum/amaryllis-care-instructions-how-to-care-for-an-amaryllis.htm

33 hours ago

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