Key Points
Only cut back amaryllis leaves once they turn yellow—green foliage provides essential energy.Trim yellow leaves to 2 inches above the bulb, then move the plant to a cool, dark spot for its dormancy period.During active growth, water when the soil’s top inch is dry, and put the plant in a spot where it can get plenty of sunlight.
Amaryllis is typically grown as a houseplant. It adds festive charm to winter home décor, with beautiful flowers in various shades of white, pink, light orange, and red. It’s also a very easy plant to grow, so long as you properly maintain it.
Part of this maintenance process is making sure that the plant’s leaves are healthy. If they’re not, then it may be time to cut them back. Below, we spoke to gardening experts about this pruning process—how to do it, and how to care for this lovely houseplant.
When to Cut Back
Amaryllis leaves are an important source of energy for the plant, so green leaves should never be cut back. “The foliage is where the plant produces its energy for next year’s bloom,” says Gail Pabst, horticulturist and marketing director at the National Garden Bureau.
After the amaryllis has bloomed and the flower has withered, some of its leaves may begin to turn yellow. This is a sign that the bulb is preparing to go into its dormant phase. These yellowing leaves should be cut back.
How to Cut Back
“When the foliage is completely yellow, cut [the leaves] back to about 2 inches above the bulb,” says Peggy Anne Montgomery, horticulturist and bulb expert for Flowerbulb.eu. “The foliage is quite soft at this time, and pruners won’t work the best.” Use a pair of kitchen shears instead.
Once the leaves have been trimmed back, find an area of your home that doesn’t receive direct or indirect sunlight. “Place the bulb in a cool, dark spot to rest,” she says.
Care Instructions
Cutting back leaves is just one aspect of amaryllis care. To help yours thrive, make sure to follow these steps too.
Sunlight
Place amaryllis in a spot where it will receive bright light. “Treat [it] like your other houseplants,” says Pabst.
Water
“Water lightly until sprouting; then water when the top inch of soil is dry,” says Montgomery.
Check the soil first before watering, like you would with most houseplants, to see whether the medium is dry, moist, or too wet. “Water when the soil is dry to the touch,” says Pabst. Make sure the soil always feels barely moist, but never soggy. When an amaryllis is growing, it will need more water.
When the bulb is dormant, hold off on watering. “Watering in dormancy will cause the bulb to rot,” she says.
Soil
“Use a pot with drainage and well-draining soil,” says Montgomery. Bulbs should stick out from the soil, and shouldn’t be completely covered.
These bulbs can also grow hydroponically, or in water without any soil. “Place the bulb in a container with a layer of pebbles at the bottom, then add more pebbles around the bulb, leaving the top third exposed,” says Montgomery. “Add water to just below the bulb, and place it in a sunny window.”
Fertilizer
Fertilizer is beneficial when an amaryllis is growing. “Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every few weeks,” says Montgomery. This will give these plants a boost.
Comments are closed.