When Does Amaryllis Bloom? Caring for Hippeastrum and the "Wax" Bulb Phenomenon
When it's freezing outside and most of nature is asleep, Amaryllis (botanically, Hippeastrum) comes to life. Thanks to its huge, majestic blooms on a tall stem, it's one of the most beloved Christmas plants.
You often ask us: "When exactly does it bloom?" and "What's that waxed bulb I keep seeing all over Instagram?" Let's take a look at this winter beauty through a florist's eyes.
When exactly does Amaryllis bloom?
Amaryllis is a classic plant of the winter and spring months. Its natural flowering season in our homes is from December through April.
When exactly does Amaryllis bloom?
Amaryllis is a classic plant of the winter and spring months. Its natural flowering season in our homes is from December through April.
Exactly when it blooms depends purely on when you wake the bulb up (plant it):
Christmas blooming: If you want flowers on Christmas Eve, you need to plant the bulb (or start watering it after its dormancy) at the beginning of November. It takes roughly 6–8 weeks from planting to bloom.
Spring blooming: Bulbs bought or planted after New Year's will reward you with flowers in February or March, bringing the first breath of spring into your home.
A botanical fun fact: Did you know that what we grow at home is actually Hippeastrum, from South America? The true Amaryllis (Amaryllis belladonna) comes from Africa and blooms in autumn. But the name Amaryllis has become so established that even we florists use it.
Amaryllis in a Vase: Tips for Long-Lasting Blooms
Amaryllis isn't just a potted plant. It's also a luxury cut flower that we arrange into winter bouquets.
A hollow stem: The Amaryllis stem is hollow. Be careful when cutting it so it doesn't split.
A water trick: Because the stem is hollow, after cutting you can turn it "head down," pour water directly into the stem, and plug the opening with a bit of cotton wool. This keeps the flower fresh for longer.
Reinforcement: To keep the heavy bloom from snapping the stem in the vase, we insert a bamboo skewer into the stem's cavity for support.
Pick your winter favorite:
Amarylis
159 Kč
Amarylis Wax
399 Kč
Red Amaryllis in a pot
349 Kč
White Amaryllis in a pot
349 Kč
Amarylis Wax Delft Blue
490 Kč
Glitter Wax Amaryllis
447 Kč
This Season's Hit: What Is Amaryllis Wax?
In recent years, the so-called Amaryllis Wax (waxed Amaryllis) has been taking over as a trend. It's the perfect gift for people who forget to water their plants.
How does it work? It's a specially treated bulb that's coated in colorful decorative wax (often with glitter, in gold or red).
-
No water needed: The bulb has all the energy and moisture it needs to bloom stored inside it. The roots are removed, so you don't water it.
-
No pot needed: The bulb has a flat base, so it stands on its own. Just set it on a table or a shelf.
-
Design: The wax itself serves as decoration.
Growing Classic Amaryllis (in a Pot)
If you prefer the classic route and want to keep the bulb for future years, stick to these rules:
-
Planting: Plant the bulb so that one-third to one-half sticks out above the soil. If you bury it completely, it will rot.
-
Light: It loves light! Give it your brightest windowsill, but watch out for direct midday sun, which could scorch the leaves.
-
Watering: Water very carefully at first. Once a stalk and bud appear, increase watering.
-
What to do after it blooms? Cut off the stalk, but let the leaves keep growing, and continue watering and fertilizing the plant until summer – this lets the bulb "recharge its batteries" for next year. In September, stop watering, let the leaves die back, and let the bulb rest (sleep) in a dark, cool place for 2–3 months.
Whether you choose the maintenance-free Wax or a classic bulb, Amaryllis is a symbol of pride and beauty that's simply inseparable from winter.
Team KvětinyExpres.cz
