Dormant Amaryllis Care, Timing, Preparation, & How To Revive It
31.10.2023 - 16:39
/ getbusygardening.com
/ Amy Andrychowicz
Understanding amaryllis dormancy is key to helping your plant bloom consistently year after year.
In this guide, I’m going to explain everything you need to know about this natural part of your plant’s life cycle, including the timing, how to care for your dormant amaryllis, and how to revive it after.
I’ll also tell you how to spot the difference between a dead Hippeastrum and one that’s hibernating, so you don’t accidentally discard the bulb when it’s still perfectly healthy.
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In their natural habitat, amaryllis (Hippeastrum) plants go dormant as the temperature cools down in the fall or early winter. This rest period helps them restore their energy so they can bloom. But they don’t always go dormant on their own.
If yours is indoors, consistent watering and warm temperatures will encourage it to stay awake. In that case, it will just continue growing leaves and probably won’t flower.
Though that’s not necessarily a bad thing, because they do make lovely green houseplants (which is what mine were for many years before I learned about their dormancy cycle).
If your amaryllis starts going dormant on its own, then you should definitely let it happen naturally, rather than attempt to stop it, even if it’s the wrong time of year.
Trying to prevent it or keep your plant awake by adding more water, light, fertilizer, or heat could end up damaging or killing the bulb, and you don’t want to risk doing that.
Related Post: How To Care For An Amaryllis Plant
Unlike many other bulbs, amaryllis plants don’t actually need a rest period. The plant will continue to grow just fine without it, and it may even flower for you occasionally.
However, they do flower more reliability, and the display is much more impressive if the bulbs