How to Care for Potted Tulips After They Bloom

Water tulips regularly to keep them from becoming dehydrated. When tulips are in full bloom, Eco Tulips recommends keeping their leaves green for as long as possible with consistent watering. Potted tulips require plenty of sunlight to stay healthy, so place them next to a window. Don't worry about tulips getting too warm; they thrive in heat.

Nourish tulips with plant food to keep their bulbs healthy, strong and able to bloom again next season. Tulips only need a normal, regular-strength plant food, according to Flower Garden Bulbs, which recommends a product with a 15-15-15 or 20-20-20 blend of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Fish emulsion also provides potted tulips with plenty of nutrients, although it may leave them with a pungent odor for 30 minutes or so.

Deadhead tulips to keep their bulbs healthy and able to bloom again in the future. Use a knife, pruning scissors or your fingers to cut or pinch away withered tulip blossoms once they begin to die, preventing them from going to seed. Allow leaves and stems to remain so that they continue absorbing energy and nutrients from the sun, which are transferred to the bulb.

Replant tulip bulbs in the garden and begin their flowering cycle again. When all of the tulip's leaves have turned yellow and died, they can be removed from their pot and buried in the garden for the next season. Alternately, keep the bulbs in the pot, giving them water and food; wait until the last frost has passed. Next, remove the bulbs from the pot, taking care not to harm the roots. Plant them in the garden at the same depth.