Grow amaryllis this holiday season & keep it alive all year round with these tips

6. After-bloom care. Once the flowers fade, cut the flower stalk near the base, but leave the foliage intact.

7. Continue to water and fertilize. Treat your amaryllis like a houseplant, with regular watering and monthly applications of general-purpose fertilizer.

8. Encourage leaf growth. The leaves produce energy for next year’s blooms, so the more robust the leaves, the better the bloom.

9. Preparing for dormancy. In late summer, reduce watering to cue your plant to enter a dormancy period. Once the leaves die back, they can be gently removed.

10. Store the bulb dry. Keep the bulb in a cool, dark place for at least 8 weeks. This rest period is crucial for the formation of new blooms.

11. Replant for new growth. After the dormancy period, repot the bulb in new soil and begin the growing process again to enjoy its beauty for another season.

Caring for amaryllis involves understanding its growth cycle and respecting its need for a dormant period. With these steps, you’re set to have a strikingly beautiful amaryllis for the holidays and a thriving plant that can bring joy year after year. Grow amaryllis, cherish its seasonal splendor, and foster its perennial grace with these tips. Remember, a little care goes a long way in making your holiday amaryllis a lasting treasure for many seasons to come.