When to Prune an Amaryllis

Location

• The amaryllis can be grown easily in both indoor and outdoor environments, though indoor environments are especially beneficial in harsh winter climates. This plant requires at least four hours of full, direct sunlight each day. Indoor and patio-based plants should be rotated every few days to promote an upright stalk that does not lean toward the sun.

Care

• Maintain a moist but not saturated soil environment for the amaryllis. Water this plant deeply, and then allow the soil to dry slightly before watering again. Increase the irrigation schedule during the hot, dry summer months. The vigorously growing amaryllis also requires regular fertilization throughout its growing period. Never fertilize the amaryllis bulb. Only fertilize this plant when it has leaves and active growth. Use a well-balanced fertilizer, and apply it according to the package's instructions. Choose water-soluble or slow-release feed, based on your preference.

Prune

• The amaryllis should only be pruned as needed to maintain its healthy growth. Use sharp, sterile pruning shears to deadhead blooms as they fade. At the end of its blooming period, remove the entire floral stalk and stop all irrigation and feedings. Cut the stalk just above the nose of the bulb. Do not remove the foliage, however. Keep the amaryllis in a cool location with temperatures that range from 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit during this period.

Reflowering

• Allow the foliage to remain in place until it turns yellow and withers. This will take approximately eight to 10 weeks as the amaryllis begins its reflowering phase. Once the bulb begins to develop new growth, remove the wilted foliage from the plant with sterile shears. Resume the watering and feeding schedule.