What to Do with Waxed Amaryllis After It Blooms

Waxed amaryllis bulbs have become a favorite holiday gift — beautiful, mess-free, and ready to bloom without any soil or watering. These self-contained bulbs are perfect for decorating winter spaces and bringing seasonal cheer. But many people wonder: what to do with waxed amaryllis after it blooms?

Can it bloom again? Should you throw it away or try to save it?

In this guide, we’ll answer the most common questions about waxed amaryllis after blooming, including whether you can replant the bulb and how to care for it if you want to try for another bloom. Explore our amaryllis in wax collection and find the best option for you.

What Is a Waxed Amaryllis and How It Works

A waxed amaryllis is a regular amaryllis bulb that’s been coated in a thick, decorative wax layer. It contains everything the plant needs to bloom — moisture, nutrients, and stored energy from previous growth cycles. That’s why you don’t need to plant it in soil or water it at all.

Here’s how it works:

• The bulb is pre-chilled and primed to bloom.
• No watering is needed — moisture is already inside.
• It sends up one or more flower stalks and blooms beautifully for several weeks.
• The wax keeps the bulb stable, decorative, and protected during display
  

Most waxed amaryllis are meant to bloom once and be discarded, as the wax seals the bulb, preventing root growth and long-term survival. However, if you're feeling ambitious, you can try to save the bulb after it finishes flowering. While success isn’t guaranteed, some gardeners have managed to care for waxed amaryllis and bring it back to life.

What Happens After a Waxed Amaryllis Blooms

Once the festive display is over, you’ll start to notice changes. The flowers of your waxed amaryllis after blooming will begin to wilt and dry up. This is completely normal and marks the end of the blooming cycle.

If the bulb was strong enough, it may start growing green leaves after the flowers fade. These leaves are a sign that there’s still life in the bulb and it’s trying to photosynthesize — even though it doesn’t have roots.

However, without intervention, the waxed amaryllis bulb can’t absorb water or nutrients. The wax coating, while decorative and convenient, also prevents new roots from forming. Over the next few weeks, the bulb gradually uses up its internal energy reserves.

Here’s what typically happens:

• Flowers dry up and fall off within a few weeks.
• Leaves (if any) may continue growing briefly.
• Nutrient and water reserves in the bulb become depleted.
• Within 1–2 months, the bulb will usually dry out or rot.

Without action, most waxed amaryllis bulbs will die off completely. That’s why understanding what to do with waxed amaryllis after it blooms is essential if you hope to save it. For guidance on when to plant your amaryllis for optimal growth, refer to our amaryllis planting calendar. The next section explains how to rescue it — and whether it’s worth trying.

Can You Keep Waxed Amaryllis After Blooming?

Yes, you can keep waxed amaryllis after blooming, but it takes some effort — and a bit of luck. These bulbs aren’t designed for reuse, but with the right steps, many gardeners have successfully revived them.

First, assess the bulb’s condition. If it still feels firm, not moldy or overly shriveled, there’s a good chance it can be saved.

Here’s how to save a waxed amaryllis bulb:

1. Gently peel off the wax. Be careful not to damage the base or growing tip.
2. Remove any dead flower stalks or dried leaves.
3. Soak the bulb’s base in lukewarm water for 2–4 hours to rehydrate it.
4. Plant it in well-draining soil, leaving the top third exposed.
5. Place in bright, indirect light and wait for new root and leaf growth.

Reviving a waxed bulb takes patience. It may take a full growth cycle (several months of leaf growth followed by dormancy) before the bulb is strong enough to bloom again.

While most retailers market waxed amaryllis as single-use, experienced gardeners know they can often keep waxed amaryllis alive — and even bring them back to bloom the following year.

Step-by-Step: How to Save a Waxed Amaryllis Bulb After Blooming

Although waxed amaryllis bulbs are often marketed as single-use holiday decor, many gardeners wonder what to do with waxed amaryllis after it blooms and whether the bulb can be saved. The good news is that with care and patience, a waxed bulb can sometimes recover and bloom again. Below is a step-by-step process for how to save a waxed amaryllis bulb and nurture it back to health.

1. Remove Wax Carefully

The first and most delicate step is removing the decorative wax layer that surrounds the bulb. Wax serves a cosmetic function and helps the bulb bloom without soil or water, but it also blocks air and moisture exchange.

To remove the wax, gently rub the surface with a warm, damp cloth to soften it. Once pliable, carefully peel away the wax in sections using your fingers. Avoid using sharp tools, which can pierce or bruise the bulb. Your goal is to keep the papery outer layers of the bulb intact while removing all remnants of wax. This step is essential to begin proper care for waxed amaryllis and allow the bulb to recover naturally.

2. Inspect the Bulb

After the wax is removed, examine the bulb thoroughly. A healthy bulb should feel firm and heavy for its size. It should not have soft, mushy areas or any signs of rot or mold. If parts of the outer skin are discolored or dried out, you can gently peel them away. If the bulb shows widespread damage, it may not survive.

Bulbs that are still firm and free from major blemishes have a much better chance of regrowth. This step helps determine whether the effort to save a waxed amaryllis bulb will be successful.

3. Let the Bulb Rest

Before planting, give the bulb a short rest period to stabilize. Set it in a dry, cool area away from direct light and heat for 1 to 2 days. This allows any moisture from the wax removal process to evaporate and reduces the risk of fungal infection once planted. It’s also a good time to prepare your potting materials for the next stage of recovery.

Letting the bulb rest is an often-overlooked part of caring for waxed amaryllis, but it improves survival rates significantly.

4. Pot the Bulb

Once rested, the bulb is ready for planting. Choose a pot that has good drainage and is slightly larger than the bulb. Fill it with a well-draining, nutrient-rich potting mix — preferably one designed for bulbs or indoor flowering plants.

Place the bulb in the pot with the bottom half or two-thirds covered in soil, leaving the neck and top exposed. Do not bury it completely. Water lightly after planting to help the roots begin forming, but avoid soaking the soil. The goal is to create a supportive environment for new growth without causing rot.

This re-potting step is critical for transitioning the bulb from its waxed, soil-free state back to a natural growth cycle.

5. Encourage Leaf Growth

Once potted, place the container in a warm, bright location with indirect sunlight. Avoid placing it in direct sun, which can stress the weakened bulb. Start watering moderately once growth becomes visible, keeping the soil slightly moist but not soggy.

Fertilize the plant every 2 to 3 weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer to promote healthy leaf and root development. Leaf growth is essential for restoring the bulb’s energy reserves, which were depleted during its waxed blooming cycle. Patience is key here — some bulbs may take several weeks to show signs of activity.

This growth period is central to care for waxed amaryllis after blooming, helping the bulb rebuild strength.

6. Prepare for Dormancy

After 4 to 6 months of leaf growth, your bulb will need a rest period to prepare for future blooming. Begin reducing watering in late summer or early fall until the leaves yellow and die back naturally. Once the foliage is gone, stop watering entirely and store the bulb in a cool, dark place (around 10–15°C) for at least 6 to 10 weeks.

This dormancy period allows the bulb to recharge and synchronize its blooming cycle. After this rest, it can be repotted and restarted for another flowering season.

By following these six steps, it is entirely possible to save a waxed amaryllis bulb and enjoy its blooms again in future seasons. With care, attention, and a little patience, you can extend the life of this unique holiday plant beyond its original presentation.

Common Mistakes When Dealing with Waxed Amaryllis

Care for waxed amaryllis after blooming requires delicacy and patience. Unfortunately, many attempts to save these bulbs fail due to preventable mistakes:

1. Removing the wax too aggressively. Using sharp tools or peeling too forcefully can damage the bulb’s protective outer layers. Always soften the wax first and peel gently to avoid bruising or cutting the bulb.
2. Planting in overly wet soil. Waxed amaryllis bulbs are prone to rot after being encased in a moisture-proof shell. Once planted, overwatering or poor drainage can lead to fungal infections or total bulb loss.
3. Throwing away the bulb too early. Many people assume the bulb is "done" after flowering and discard it. In fact, even depleted bulbs can recover with proper care.
4. Skipping the dormancy period. For reblooming, amaryllis bulbs need time to rest. Repotting or pushing for growth immediately after flowering without a resting phase weakens the bulb further.

By avoiding these mistakes, you increase your chances of success with your waxed amaryllis after blooming and may even achieve another round of blooms in the future.

Can You Get Waxed Amaryllis to Rebloom?

One of the most common questions is: can you keep waxed amaryllis and make it bloom again? The answer is yes — theoretically, it’s entirely possible. Practically, however, it takes effort, patience, and a full seasonal cycle.

The wax coating is designed for a one-time display. It prevents water absorption and photosynthesis, both of which are essential for a bulb to rebuild energy. Once the wax is removed and the bulb is planted, it enters a recovery phase. During this time, the goal is to encourage strong leaf growth and allow the bulb to photosynthesize and store nutrients.

After several months of active growth, the plant must enter a dormancy period. This means withholding water, allowing the leaves to die back naturally, and storing the bulb in a cool, dry place for 6–10 weeks. Only after this rest can the bulb be brought back into light and warmth to start a new blooming cycle.

Even with perfect care, the chance of bloom the following year is around 50/50. The outcome depends on the initial health of the bulb and how much damage, if any, occurred during its waxed display.

The best approach to how to save a waxed amaryllis bulb is to commit to a full seasonal cycle — growth, dormancy, then regrowth — and not expect instant results. With time and consistency, reblooming is a real possibility.

Eco-Friendly Ways to Reuse Wax from Amaryllis

If your waxed amaryllis after blooming doesn’t survive or you simply choose not to replant it, don’t throw away the wax. You can reuse it in several creative and eco-friendly ways:

• Make decorative items: Melt the wax and pour it into molds for ornaments or DIY home décor.
• Make candles: Combine leftover wax with wick materials to create small votive candles. Add essential oils for fragrance and pour into heat-safe jars or shells.
• Use in the garden: Chipped wax can be used as mulch around the base of outdoor potted plants. It helps with moisture retention and weed suppression.
  

To reuse the wax as a candle:

• Melt it gently in a double boiler.
• Add a wick to a heat-safe container.
• Pour the melted wax and let it cool.

These simple ideas help reduce waste and give new life to the beautiful materials left over from your festive plant.

Conclusion: From Holiday Bloom to Garden Treasure

Although a waxed amaryllis is designed as a single-season decoration, with patience and proper care, it can become a long-term part of your plant collection. After blooming, the bulb still holds potential — if you remove the wax gently and provide the right growing conditions, it may thrive again in future seasons. Saving it takes effort, but the reward of a second bloom is worth the wait.

Whether you’re an experienced grower or trying to rescue your first holiday gift plant, there's a special joy in helping amaryllis bulbs bounce back. If you’d prefer an easier start next time, you can always explore longer-lasting varieties grown in soil from the beginning.

Shop amaryllis bulbs for reliable reblooming potential and easier care through the full growth cycle. With the right bulb and a little patience, you can enjoy spectacular blooms year after year.

FAQs About Waxed Amaryllis After Blooming

Is a waxed amaryllis a one-time plant?

Yes — a waxed amaryllis is intended to bloom just once, using the stored energy inside the bulb. However, if the bulb is healthy and you remove the wax carefully, there’s a chance to save and regrow it. With proper aftercare, some gardeners have successfully encouraged a second bloom the following year.

Can I remove the wax without damaging the bulb?

Yes, but it must be done carefully. Use a warm, damp cloth to soften the wax first, then gently peel it away by hand. Avoid using sharp tools or pulling forcefully, as this may tear the bulb’s outer layers. This step is essential when learning how to save waxed amaryllis bulbs safely.

Should I water a waxed amaryllis after it blooms?

No, not while it's still waxed. Waxed bulbs are self-contained and don’t require watering during blooming. After blooming, if you remove the wax and plant the bulb, then you can water lightly. At that stage, it's treated like a regular amaryllis and needs care similar to non-waxed bulbs.

Can I plant the waxed bulb outdoors?

Only after the wax is removed and the bulb has recovered. Once it's potted and regrown indoors, and if your climate is warm (zones 9–11), you may transplant it outdoors. Avoid planting immediately after blooming, as the bulb needs time to regain strength post-display.

How long does a waxed amaryllis last after blooming?

Typically, waxed amaryllis blooms last 2–3 weeks. After blooming, the bulb may remain green or sprout leaves for another month or two. Without intervention, it will slowly decline. If you're wondering what to do with waxed amaryllis after it blooms, saving the bulb or reusing the wax are both good options.