What to Do with Amaryllis After It Blooms: Step-by-Step Care Guide

The blooms of an amaryllis are a spectacular sight, often lighting up homes in winter or early spring. But once those vibrant flowers fade, many plant lovers are left wondering: what to do with an amaryllis after it blooms? Don’t throw it out — your amaryllis is far from finished. With the right aftercare, it can bloom again year after year. This guide will walk you through the key steps of amaryllis after blooming care, helping your plant stay healthy and strong for seasons to come. Explore our full amaryllis bulb catalog for varieties that are made to rebloom with proper care.

Why Post-Bloom Care Matters

Knowing how to care for an amaryllis after it blooms is essential if you want your plant to thrive and rebloom in future seasons. Once the flowers fade, the plant’s energy shifts from blooming to rebuilding its strength. This is a critical time when the bulb starts storing energy through photosynthesis in its leaves.

Proper caring for amaryllis after the blooms fade ensures:

• The bulb gains enough nutrients to produce flowers again
• The life cycle continues naturally, allowing for long-term growth
• You prevent premature dormancy, which could lead to weak or no future blooms

Skipping this care step often results in a tired, unproductive bulb. By giving your amaryllis what it needs after blooming, you increase your chances of a successful rebloom next season. Think of it as the recovery phase — your plant just gave a show and now needs support to do it all over again.

Step 1 — Remove the Spent Flowers Properly

Once your amaryllis has finished blooming, the first thing to do is remove the spent flowers. This step helps redirect energy from seed production back to the bulb. Gently pinch or snip off each wilted flower at its base — but avoid cutting the flowering stem right away.

Let the flower stalk (scape) stay until it begins to yellow and wither naturally. Cutting it too soon can reduce the amount of energy the bulb can reclaim. Once the stalk becomes soft or discolored, trim it down to about 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) above the bulb using clean, sharp scissors or pruners.

By removing old blooms and delaying the removal of the flower stalk, you help the plant conserve resources and prepare for another growing cycle. This is a key part of post-bloom amaryllis care that sets the stage for long-term success.

This is one of the most important early steps in learning what to do with an amaryllis after it blooms — keeping the plant healthy and energy-efficient.

Step 2 — Continue Watering and Feeding the Leaves

After the blooms and stalk are removed, your amaryllis will focus on growing strong green leaves. These leaves are vital — they act as solar panels, feeding the bulb through photosynthesis and storing energy for next year’s flowers.

Do not cut off the leaves, even if they appear large or unkempt. Instead, support their growth by continuing regular watering and feeding. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring the pot has good drainage to prevent root rot.

Use a balanced houseplant fertilizer (like 10-10-10 or 20-20-20) every 2 to 4 weeks during the growing season. This helps promote healthy foliage and strong bulb development. Be sure to follow label instructions to avoid overfertilizing.

Consistent watering and feeding are essential for successful amaryllis after-blooming care. It’s also a fundamental part of caring for amaryllis year-round.

Step 3 — Let the Plant Grow Through Summer

After blooming, your amaryllis enters a crucial growth phase. During this time, you can move the plant outdoors — to a sunny patio, balcony, or garden spot. Just be sure to wait until there's no risk of frost. Bright, indirect sunlight or partial shade is best to avoid leaf scorch.

More sun exposure means stronger leaf development, which directly fuels the bulb’s energy reserves. This sets the stage for a more vigorous bloom next year. Summer is the perfect time to let the leaves flourish and do their work.

Keep watering consistently, especially during hot weather. The soil should stay lightly moist, but not soggy. Be mindful to protect the plant from heavy rain or standing water if it's outside in a pot.

This summer phase is a key part of learning how to care for an amaryllis after it blooms. Healthy leaves now equal better post-bloom amaryllis results later.

Step 4 — Induce Dormancy in Early Fall

As the days shorten in early fall, it’s time to start preparing your amaryllis for dormancy. This rest period is essential for resetting the plant’s internal clock and triggering the next bloom cycle.

Start by gradually reducing watering. When the leaves begin to yellow and die back naturally, stop watering completely. Do not remove the leaves prematurely — let them wither on their own, as they continue to nourish the bulb until the end.

Next, move the pot to a cool, dark location, such as a basement, closet, or garage, where temperatures stay between 10–15°C (50–59°F). Do not fertilize or disturb the bulb during this 8–10 week rest period.

This quiet time allows the bulb to reset and prepare for future growth. Skipping dormancy is one of the most common reasons for failure to rebloom.

Understanding what to do with an amaryllis after it blooms means following this natural cycle carefully. For full dormancy strategies, visit our dormant period guide for bulb plants.

Step 5 — Repot and Restart the Cycle

Once your amaryllis has completed its dormancy, it’s time to wake it up and restart the blooming cycle. Gently remove the bulb from its pot and check its condition. If the bulb is firm and healthy, it’s ready to go. Shake off any old soil and repot it using fresh, well-draining substrate — a mix of potting soil, peat, and perlite works well.

Choose a pot with good drainage, and plant the bulb so that the top third remains above the soil line. This prevents rot and encourages strong flower stalks.

Place the repotted bulb in a warm, bright location and begin watering lightly. Once green shoots emerge, increase watering gradually. Avoid fertilizing until about three weeks into the new growth stage.

If all goes well, you can expect your amaryllis to bloom again in 6–8 weeks, depending on variety and growing conditions. 

This is the final and most rewarding stage of caring for an amaryllis — watching it burst into bloom all over again.

Conclusion: Keep Your Amaryllis Blooming Year After Year

Knowing what to do with amaryllis after it blooms is the secret to getting those spectacular flowers again and again. The key steps — removing spent blooms, feeding the leaves, summer growth, dormancy, and repotting — form a simple but effective cycle.

By following these stages with care and attention, you’ll enjoy healthy plants and consistent, vibrant blooms each year. Amaryllis truly rewards those who respect its natural rhythm.

Ready to grow again? Explore our selection of plants and buy amaryllis bulbs that best suit your garden.

FAQs About Amaryllis After Blooming

Should I cut the amaryllis leaves after it blooms?

No, don’t cut the leaves right after flowering. They are essential for photosynthesis and energy storage, which help the bulb prepare for its next bloom. Only remove leaves once they yellow and die back naturally.

Can amaryllis rebloom every year?

Yes, with proper care! Follow the full cycle — leaf growth, summer strengthening, dormancy, and replanting — to encourage post bloom amaryllis to flower annually. Consistency in light, water, and rest is key.

Do I need to dig up amaryllis bulbs after blooming?

Not necessarily. If your amaryllis is in a pot, you can keep it planted year-round. Just refresh the soil and repot every 2–3 years. Garden-grown bulbs may benefit from occasional lifting, depending on climate.

How long should the dormancy period last?

The dormancy period should last 8–10 weeks. This rest allows the bulb to reset and build up the energy it needs to bloom again. Keep it in a cool, dark spot during this time and avoid watering or fertilizing.

What kind of fertilizer is best after blooming?

Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer for houseplants every 2–4 weeks during the leaf growth period. Avoid high-nitrogen formulas. Look for options that support bulb development, such as 10-10-20 blends.