Post-Bloom Care for Amaryllis: Transitioning from Holiday Gift to Garden Perennial

Q: How do I care for an amaryllis after it blooms for Christmas?

Once all flowers open and fade, cut the stiff bloom stalk at base and remove. Keep pot with green leaves in a sunny window. Water occasionally to keep soil slightly moist, not soggy.

In late April when soil is warm outdoors, plant bulb in a sunny spot. Mix slow-release granular fertilizer (click for sources) into soil at planting. Leave ~1 inch of bulb neck above soil.

Two options:

1. Leave bulb in place for natural May bloom. Light pine straw cover in winter. See Planting amaryllis outdoors.
2. Leave for summer but lift in fall to force Christmas bloom.

Fool the bulb into thinking it's spring in December! Dig up bulb carefully. Cut leaves in early September, place bulb in warm, dry place. This signals fall/winter arrival. Bulb prepares to bloom when "warmer weather" comes.

In late November, plant bulb in pot with 1 inch neck showing. Feed with half-strength houseplant fertilizer. Place in warm, sunny window. In 2 weeks, first leaves appear, then bloom stalk. If no bloom, plant outdoors next spring.