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Amaryllis non-blooming #891335

Asked January 07, 2025, 9:29 AM EST

This is the second year that my amaryllis did not bloom. Does this mean the bulbs are done? I followed all the instructions and had big beautiful leaves, but no flowers. HELP!!

New Castle County Delaware

Expert Response

What is the amaryllis’s origin? Is it the same plant you are trying to have rebloom? Has it ever bloomed, or did you purchase new and it simply grew but never bloomed? How large is your pot (they like to be compact) and what type of soil did you use? 

At this stage, let it continue to grow. Place it by a window that has southern exposure. Feed it with an all purpose fertilizer monthly. When danger of frost is done, put it outside where it can receive 5-6 hours of sunlight, but do not let it burn. The leaves are going to absorb energy for next season.

In early fall (end of September), take the bulb out of the plant, trim the roots, and cut back the foliage. Wrap it in some newspaper and let it rest in a cool place - on a shelf in a garage would be ideal. It needs about 8 weeks of laying dormant in a cool dry place. When you see them back out for sale, usually in mid to late November, that is when you want to bring your bulb out, remove any yellowing leaves and start anew. They need to be placed in a bright location.  The top of the bulb should be exposed, not planted deep in the soil.  

I put my Christmas amaryllis from 2023 outside on my deck all summer and the leaves grew tall and green. But I neglected to trim it back or give it a rest period, and it did not bloom along with my 2024 amaryllis. The rest period for 8-12 weeks is essential. I’ve learned my lesson. I will let it grow and absorb energy - put all of them outside in the summer and give them a root and leaf cutback in the fall and rest them. 

Amaryllis  

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