Year-Round Care of the Amaryllis

Winter

• Water the amaryllis sparingly while in bloom. Once flowers fade, cut the flower stalk 1 to 2 inches above the bulb. Place the plant in a sunny, southern window. Water when the soil surface dries, and feed monthly with an all-purpose fertilizer.

Spring and Summer

• Move your amaryllis outdoors once frost has passed. Place the bulb in a shaded spot for 2 to 3 days, and then gradually move it into partial to full sun. Water when the soil surface dries, and feed every 2 to 4 weeks with an all-purpose fertilizer.

Fall

• Stop fertilizing amaryllis in late September and bring indoors. Induce dormancy by placing the plant in a cool, dim location and withholding water. When leaves brown, cut them off and lift the bulb from the soil. Store the bulb in a 50 to 55 degree Fahrenheit location for 8 to 10 weeks until a new flower stalk emerges. Repot the bulb in fresh soil, water and place in a sunny window for regrowth and blooming.