What to Do with Waxed Amaryllis After It Blooms

A wax amaryllis is the easiest amaryllis there is: the bulb is sealed in a layer of decorative wax and flowers in 4–8 weeks without soil or water. But what happens when the flowers fade? Most people throw the bulb away, yet with some care it can be given a second life in a pot. This guide explains what happens to a wax bulb after flowering, whether it is worth saving, and how to move it into soil step by step. New to wax amaryllis? See how to care for wax amaryllis or browse our wax amaryllis collection.

What Happens to a Wax Amaryllis After It Flowers?

A wax amaryllis flowers on the water and food stored in the bulb. To make the wax coating possible, the roots and basal plate are usually trimmed, so the bulb cannot take up water while it is waxed. After flowering, the bulb has used much of its reserves and is often smaller and softer than at the start. If you leave it in its wax, it slowly dries out. That is why wax amaryllis are sold as a one-season flower.

Is It Worth Saving?

It can be, if the bulb is still firm after flowering. Expect a long recovery: the bulb first has to grow new roots and leaves, and in most cases it will not flower again the following winter. With good care it can build up enough strength to flower after one to two years. If the bulb is soft, mouldy or hollow, discard it.

Step by Step: From Wax to Soil

1. Cut the flower stalk

When the last flower has faded, cut the stalk 3–5 cm above the bulb. Keep any leaves that have appeared.

2. Remove the wax

Score the wax with a blunt knife and peel it off in pieces, together with any metal stand or wire at the base. Work carefully so you do not cut into the bulb. Do not soak the bulb in hot water to melt the wax.

3. Check the bulb

A healthy bulb is firm, with a dry, intact base. Remove loose outer scales. Small red spots or streaks can be a sign of red blotch (Stagonospora): cut away affected outer tissue and let the bulb dry for a day before planting. See amaryllis pests and diseases.

4. Rehydrate the base

Stand only the base of the bulb in 1–2 cm of lukewarm water for a few hours, keeping the rest of the bulb dry. This helps the basal plate start new roots.

5. Plant

Use a pot only 2–3 cm wider than the bulb, with drainage holes, filled with well-draining potting soil. Plant so the top third of the bulb stays above the soil. Water once lightly, then wait until you see new growth before watering again.

6. Grow it on

Place the pot in a bright spot. Once leaves appear, water whenever the top of the soil is dry and feed every 2–4 weeks with a balanced or potassium-rich fertiliser. In summer the pot can go outside. Treat it from now on like a regular amaryllis, with a dry rest period in autumn. See how to get amaryllis to rebloom.

Common Mistakes

• Watering a bulb that is still waxed: the wax keeps water out, and water trapped at the base causes rot.
• Planting too deep: keep the top third of the bulb above the soil.
• Expecting flowers next winter: a former wax bulb usually needs at least one full growing season first.
• Cutting the new leaves: they are the only way the bulb can rebuild its reserves.

What to Do with the Wax

Cleaned wax can be melted down for candles or fire starters, or used as decoration. Remove any metal parts first and keep wax pieces away from children and pets.

Conclusion

A wax amaryllis is made for one easy season of flowers, and that is how most people enjoy it. If you like a challenge, a firm bulb can be freed from its wax, potted up and grown on like a normal amaryllis, with flowers again after one or two years. For reliable flowers every winter, a regular amaryllis bulb in a pot is the better choice.

FAQs About Wax Amaryllis After Flowering

Is a wax amaryllis a one-time plant?

It is designed to flower once without care. A firm bulb can be planted in soil afterwards, but it usually needs one to two years to flower again.

Should I water a wax amaryllis after it blooms?

No, not while it is still in its wax. Remove the wax and plant it in soil first.

Can I remove the wax without damaging the bulb?

Yes. Score the wax with a blunt knife and peel it off in pieces; do not cut into the bulb or melt the wax with hot water.

Will it flower again right after planting?

Rarely. The bulb first grows roots and leaves to rebuild its reserves. Expect flowers after one or two seasons.

What if I find red spots under the wax?

That is often red blotch, a fungal disease. Cut away affected outer scales, let the bulb dry and plant it in fresh soil.

Should I cut the leaves that grew while it was waxed?

No. Keep all healthy leaves; they feed the bulb.

Can I plant a former wax bulb outdoors?

In summer the pot can stand outside, but bring it in before night temperatures drop below 10°C. Amaryllis are not frost-hardy.

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