Do I Trim the Roots of Amaryllis Bulbs?

Significance

• Amaryllis bulbs do not effectively regrow roots that are broken or cut during the transplanting process. Use a potato fork rather than spade when digging up dormant bulbs minimizes disruption or damage to the roots that radiate outward from the bulb's bottom.

Considerations

• To prevent damage to roots or disrupt the growing rhythm and dormancy of amaryllis bulbs, try to lift them after leaves die away with as much soil attached to the roots as possible. Immediately replant the bulbs so the roots do not dehydrate. If roots are inadvertently severed in the process, do not worry about cutting to remove them as you risk further damage to the remaining root system.

Insight

• If planting a dormant amaryllis bulb as part of a kit to force into bloom for the winter holidays, do not cut off the persistent, dried roots that look and feel like crepe paper. If you choose to dig up bulbs to store dry and replant later indoor forcing, also do not cut roots off. Allow the soil to naturally crumble away and rinse off soil but leave all roots to air dry for several weeks.