Once your amaryllis flowers have died down, you can remove them. Place your plant in full light of a window, continue watering (on a reduced scale) for quite a while, but it is probably best to stop watering completely in mid-fall, so that the bulb begins its enforced rest (about 6-8 weeks). After watering stops, the foliage will become yellow and wither away. Remove dead foliage. If watering is continued too long, the past year's foliage will remain green and may become unwieldy and unattractive. Keep the potting mixture completely dry throughout the rest period, which lasts until new growth (usually the tip of the flower bud) begins to appear.

In summer a high-potash fertilizer can be given to your plant, the type usually recommended for tomatoes.  This will help to mature the bulb and ensure a flowering stalk the next year. Discontinue feedings entirely after mid-fall.

Amaryllis dislikes root disturbance and flowers best when left alone. Exception: For three or four years after the initial potting the bulb can be repotted, but not until then.

After the dormancy period when the bulb has begun to grow, remove the top 1/2 inch of soil from the pot, and replace with new soil. Do not remove the bulb from the pot. Water the potted bulb ONCE thoroughly, and place back in bright light.

For tips on a variety of gardening topics, see our Plant Information Guides.
- Courtesy of NYBG Plant Information Service