Posted on October 19, 2024 by Van Becelaere Greenhouse

As the holiday season approaches, many home gardeners get drawn to the vibrant and alluring blooms of the amaryllis. With their bold hues and impressive size, these stunning flowers have become a staple in Christmas decor and festivities. Their beauty inspires and renews our appreciation for the wonders of nature.

What makes amaryllis bloom so unique during the holidays? That is what we’ll explore in today’s blog. The magic behind the festive amaryllis flower and how you can enjoy its beauty in your home all year round.

Amaryllis Growth Cycle

We must first appreciate the bulb’s growth cycle to understand the amaryllis plant. Often purchased in the fall, these bulbs promise a spectacular Christmastime display.

With patience and care, the transformation from bulb to bloom is miraculous. The secret to a successful bloom lies in selecting a healthy bulb and providing the right conditions for growth. The process requires commitment and responsibility but is worth all the rewards.

Caring for Your Christmas Amaryllis

Once your amaryllis bulb is in hand, the care it receives will determine the vibrancy of its blooms. Optimal light, watering, and temperature conditions are crucial.

Place your amaryllis in a bright, warm location and water sparingly until growth begins. As the plant develops, increase watering and ensure it has enough support to handle its eventual weight. With dedication, you’ll get rewarded with a stunning centerpiece that captures the spirit of the season.

Preserving and Storing Amaryllis Bulbs

After the holiday season, many gardeners question what to do with their amaryllis bulbs. With proper care, these bulbs get easily preserved for future blooms.

Once the flowers fade, cut the bloom stalks back, leaving only the foliage (leaves) intact to allow photosynthesis—replenishing energy for the bulbs. Then, in late summer to early fall, remove the bulbs from the soil—divide any bulb sprouts, cut back the leaves just above the tunic layers, and place them in a paper bag to store in a cool, dry place (like your refrigerator or fruit drawer) for up to 30- to 60 days. At the end of the dormant cycle, repot the bulbs.

Repotting Bulbs for Future Christmas Blooms

Repotting amaryllis bulbs after their dormant period is an integral step to having Christmas blooms year after year. When the time is right, usually in mid-to-late fall, begin by soaking the roots in a shallow bowl of water for half a day.

Choose a potting container with drainage holes, allowing excess water to filter into a tray or catch pan. Make sure the pot is slightly larger than the bulb itself, and plant it with one-third of the bulb above the soil line to avoid root rot. This method encourages the bulb to produce a new set of dazzling flowers in time for Christmas.

A New Holiday Tradition

The amaryllis bloom goes far beyond holiday tradition; it’s a testament to the beauty and resilience of nature. By understanding the life cycle of the amaryllis bulb and providing the necessary care, home gardeners can enjoy the splendor of these blooms year after year, a reminder of nature’s resilience and the promise of new beginnings.

This Christmas, let the wonderous amaryllis symbolize joy and renewal in your home by allowing it to exude the essence of the holiday spirit through its radiant beauty. Although the blooms are stunning, it’s the joy of cultivating these plants that genuinely brings holiday cheer.

Stop in at the Van Becelaere Greenhouse in Pittsburg, Kansas, to discover what new holiday gardening ideas you can nurture and grow this Christmas season.