How to Store Amaryllis Bulbs: A Complete Guide for Reblooming

After blooming and leaf growth, amaryllis bulbs need a period of dormancy to rest and recharge for next year’s flowers. Without this rest, the bulb won’t bloom again. Learning how to store amaryllis bulbs properly is essential for getting reliable blooms season after season.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll explain how to store amaryllis for next year, when to begin the process, and the best storage conditions. With the right approach, you can enjoy stunning flowers every winter — and your bulb can thrive for years to come.

Why Proper Storage Is Crucial for Amaryllis Bulbs

To rebloom successfully, amaryllis bulbs must go through a resting period — this mimics their natural cycle and prepares them for strong future flowering. If you skip this step, the bulb may only grow leaves without producing flowers.

Here’s why amaryllis bulb storage matters:

• Triggers blooming cycle: Dormancy tells the bulb it’s time to regenerate. It helps “reset” the internal clock so the plant blooms again at the right time, typically around the holidays.
• Prevents disease and decay: Storing amaryllis in a cool, dry place protects it from rot, mold, or drying out. Improper conditions often lead to bulb death.
• Controls timing: When you store amaryllis for next year correctly, you can control when it starts growing again. That means you can align blooms with specific seasons or celebrations.
  

To keep your bulb healthy and flowering, it’s important to learn how to keep amaryllis bulbs in the right environment. A successful dormant period now ensures a bright, beautiful bloom later. Proper storage is not optional — it’s the foundation of yearly reblooming.

When to Start Storing Your Amaryllis Bulbs

Knowing the right time for storing amaryllis bulbs is key to encouraging reblooming next season. After the plant finishes blooming, don’t rush to store it immediately. Instead, allow it to enter a period of energy rebuilding.

Keep the green leaves growing for at least 8–10 weeks after flowering. These leaves are essential — they absorb light and feed the bulb through photosynthesis. This process helps store amaryllis for next year by building up reserves for the next blooming cycle.

Only begin storage when the foliage naturally starts to yellow and die back. This is a sign that the bulb is ready to rest. Don’t force dormancy by cutting leaves too soon — this may weaken the bulb and reduce flowering potential.

In most climates, the ideal time to start storage falls in late summer or early fall — typically August or September. Watch your plant’s natural rhythm rather than the calendar. Once the leaves are fully yellow and wilted, you can begin the dormancy process.

Timing is everything when learning how to store amaryllis bulbs. Starting too early can rob the plant of the energy it needs to bloom again. With patience and the right observation, you’ll get healthier bulbs and a more spectacular rebloom.

Step-by-Step: How to Store Amaryllis Bulbs for Next Year

Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide on how to store amaryllis bulbs after their growing season:

1. Stop Watering

When the leaves begin to yellow, stop watering your plant completely. This signals the bulb to start entering dormancy. Continuing to water during this stage can cause rot and delay the natural cycle.

2. Remove Dead Foliage

Once the leaves are completely yellow or brown and dry, gently trim them off. Leave about 2–3 cm of the neck (the part where the leaves meet the bulb) intact. Do not force green leaves off.

3. Dig Out or Remove from Pot

Carefully take the bulb out of the pot or dig it up from the garden. Be cautious not to damage the roots or the base of the bulb during this step — healthy roots are still important for next season.

4. Clean and Dry

Brush off any excess soil gently — do not wash the bulb. Allow it to dry in a shaded, well-ventilated space for 3–5 days. This helps prevent mold or rot during storage. Never store a wet bulb.

5. Wrap and Store

Once dried, wrap each bulb in newspaper, sawdust, or place it in a breathable mesh bag. You can also store several bulbs in a cardboard box, as long as they are not touching.

Choose a dark, dry, and cool location — ideally 10–15°C (50–59°F). A basement or unheated closet works well.

Proper amaryllis bulb storage ensures a healthy, well-rested bulb that will reward you with vibrant blooms next year. Master this process, and you'll know exactly how to store amaryllis bulbs like a pro.

Where and How to Store Amaryllis Bulbs Safely

Proper location is everything when it comes to storing amaryllis bulbs for the next season. Once cleaned and dried, bulbs need a consistent, cool, and dry environment to rest without risk of mold or freezing.

Here are the best places to store amaryllis bulbs safely:

• Basement or cellar — Ideal for its cool temperature and dark, dry air
• Pantry or interior closet — As long as there is no humidity buildup
• Refrigerator — A good option if you have no cool storage space — but only if there are no fruits inside, especially apples, which release ethylene gas harmful to bulbs
  

Avoid storing in:

• Laundry rooms, bathrooms, or garages — they often have high humidity or fluctuating temperatures
• Any place where the temperature drops below 10°C (50°F) or could freeze, as freezing will kill the bulb

To safely store amaryllis bulbs, wrap them in newspaper, sawdust, or mesh bags to allow airflow and prevent moisture buildup.

Check your stored bulbs once a month during dormancy. Look for:

• Mold or soft spots (signs of rot)
• Shriveling (a sign of dehydration)

If a bulb looks too dry, you can mist it lightly and increase ventilation. If it’s moldy or soft, discard it. This attention ensures your bulbs remain healthy and ready to bloom again. Learning how to store amaryllis bulbs correctly is a key step toward successful reblooming.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Storing Amaryllis Bulbs

Even with the best intentions, simple mistakes in amaryllis bulb storage can ruin next year’s bloom. Don’t trim green leaves just because flowering is done. Allow the plant to photosynthesize and store energy for future blooms. 

Putting bulbs into storage while still damp is a major cause of mold and rot. Always dry for 3–5 days before packing. Bulbs stored in damp environments often rot. Avoid humid rooms or airtight containers.

Fruits like apples release ethylene gas, which causes premature aging and can kill bulbs. Never store bulbs in the fridge with fruit. Dormant doesn’t mean dead. You must check the bulbs monthly for signs of mold, dryness, or early sprouting.

Avoiding these common mistakes will help you keep amaryllis bulbs safe, healthy, and ready to reward you with another cycle of stunning blooms. Proper amaryllis bulb storage is the secret to successful reblooming!

How Long Can You Store Amaryllis Bulbs?

After blooming and active growth, amaryllis bulbs need a dormancy period before they can bloom again. Typically, you can store amaryllis bulbs for 6 to 12 weeks, which is enough to help them reset and prepare for their next blooming cycle.

In ideal conditions (dry, dark, and cool — around 10–15°C or 50–59°F), bulbs can be stored for up to 3 or 4 months. However, storing them longer than this increases the risk of shriveling or losing viability due to dehydration.

If you're wondering how to store amaryllis bulbs effectively and avoid overextending dormancy, here’s a helpful tip:

Plan your storage period so that replanting and watering begin 6 to 8 weeks before you want blooms to appear. For example, if you want flowering around Christmas, aim to replant in late October.

Keeping bulbs in storage too long can delay blooming or reduce flower quality. On the flip side, cutting the dormancy short might not give the bulb enough rest to recharge fully.

If you plan to store amaryllis for next year, be sure to label the date of storage, check them monthly, and watch for early sprouting or drying. Once you hit the 8- to 10-week mark, it’s a great time to prepare for replanting.

Preparing Amaryllis Bulbs for Replanting After Storage

Once your amaryllis bulb storage period ends, it’s time to wake the bulb up for another round of flowering. Here’s how to prepare amaryllis bulbs for replanting:

1. Inspect the bulbs: Check that bulbs are still firm and plump. Discard any that are soft, moldy, or have sunken spots.
2. Optional fungicide treatment: If the bulb had any signs of mold during storage or you live in a humid climate, lightly dust the bulb with a fungicide to prevent rot.
3. Rehydrate before planting: Soak the bottom (root end) of the bulb in lukewarm water for 1–2 hours. This helps wake up the roots and promotes quicker sprouting.
4. Prepare a fresh pot and soil: Choose a container with good drainage. Use nutrient-rich, well-draining potting mix. Set the bulb so the top third remains above the soil.
5. Water sparingly at first: Water the soil lightly after planting. Then wait to water again until you see new growth — overwatering too soon can cause rot.

Knowing how to keep amaryllis bulbs healthy through proper storage and careful replanting is key to a successful rebloom. Follow these steps, and your plant will be on track for another beautiful flowering season. If you want to know how to get amaryllis to rebloom, just visit our blog and find all the information you need.

Conclusion: Easy Storage, Beautiful Blooms

Learning how to store amaryllis bulbs properly is the secret to keeping this stunning flower blooming year after year. After the growing and flowering phases, a dormancy period is essential to restore the bulb’s energy and trigger future blooming.

Proper storage means placing the bulb in a cool, dry, and dark place for 6 to 12 weeks, checking it monthly for mold or sprouting, and avoiding overly humid conditions. Whether you're planning to store amaryllis for next year or just want to sync its bloom with the holiday season, a little care goes a long way.

By maintaining ideal storage conditions and replanting at the right time, you’ll enjoy another season of bold, beautiful flowers — without needing to buy a new bulb each year.

Buy amaryllis bulbs and start planning your next bloom today!

FAQs About Storing Amaryllis Bulbs

Can I store amaryllis bulbs in the fridge?

Yes, you can store amaryllis bulbs in the refrigerator if it maintains a consistent temperature of 10–15°C (50–59°F). However, make sure there are no ripening fruits like apples or bananas nearby — they release ethylene gas, which can kill the bulb. Refrigeration is ideal for those without a cool basement or storage room.

How do I know if my bulb survived storage?

Healthy amaryllis bulbs will feel firm and plump, not mushy or shriveled. Check for any mold, soft spots, or foul odor. If the outer layers are slightly dry or flaky, that’s normal. A bulb that feels light or hollow may have dried out. Inspect each bulb before replanting to ensure a strong start.

Can I leave amaryllis in soil during dormancy?

Yes, you can leave your amaryllis in the pot during dormancy, as long as the soil stays dry and the environment is cool and dark. This method works well for indoor growers who don’t want to unpot the bulb. Just remember to stop watering and resume only when new growth appears.

Should I divide offsets before storage?

If your bulb has produced offsets (small baby bulbs), it's best to divide them before storage. Gently separate the offsets, allow any wounds to dry, and store them alongside the main bulb. Offsets may take a few years to mature, but proper storage helps ensure their survival.

What if my bulb starts sprouting early?

If your amaryllis bulb starts to sprout during storage, it’s ready to grow again. Move it to a warm, bright spot and pot it up immediately. Early sprouting can happen if storage conditions are too warm. Just adjust your planting schedule accordingly for a healthy rebloom.