This post is a friendly step-by-step reminder about what to do with your amaryllis bulbs if you want to save them for next year. I also thought it would be a good opportunity to share some of the not so friendly comments my post on waxing Amaryllis has elicited over the years.
Who knew, who ever would have guessed that the most controversial, rage inducing post I have ever produced would be a post on a flower.
If you've followed me for a while you know as soon as they came out several years ago, I deconstructed a waxed amaryllis bulb and taught you how to make one yourself.
I was very excited about doing so, because that is how I get enjoyment out of my life. By ripping things apart and putting them back together. And then encouraging other people to do the same so we're all in a mess.
The thing about waxing amaryllis bulbs is that you have to cut off much of the basal plate, which is the thing that holds all the brains of the operation. You get rid of that, and you lobotomize the amaryllis, making it unlikely to grow ever again.
It was this point that caused some very, very strong responses from people who had stumbled onto the post from the far reaches of the Internet. I'll get to those once I've taught you how to SAVE your amaryllis bulbs.
How to Save Amaryllis Bulbs
For replanting a waxed bulb follow these steps.
- After your amaryllis has bloomed and the blooms have finished, cut the bloom stalks off, but leave the leaves on the plant.
- Scrape the wax off of the bulb.
- Plant it in soil and continue to care for it like any other house plant. Keep watering to a minimum and make sure the soil is very well draining- you don't want to rot the bulb.
- Once spring weather arrives (no more frost) put the potted amaryllis outside for the summer, taking care of it as necessary. Amaryllis plants need little water so don't overwater them.
- If you don't want to have to worry about watering it all summer, you can transplant the amaryllis plant straight in the garden as well.
- Dig it up September 1st, cut off the leaves and a lot of the roots (leave 3-4" of roots).
- Place bulb in a paper bag and store in the coolest room you have to dry out and go dormant for at least 8 weeks but no more than 12 weeks.
- On November 1st, (after 8 weeks) pull the bags out of storage and replant them in a small pot. You can use soil, but planting amaryllis in rocks like this is the best way to go to guarantee you won't rot the bulb.
- They'll rebloom in 6-8 weeks .
If you're working with an Amaryllis that hasn't been waxed, the steps are all the same other than scraping off the wax.
NOW, if you don't want to do any of this you can just toss your bulb in the compost pile or bin once it's finished. It'll decompose in no time. This is the point that drove certain people into an absolute frenzy.
THIS innocuous post on waxing Amaryllis bulbs has elicited some of the most entertaining comments I've ever had on my blog.
Gems like this:
"Go on keep adding the ignorant to your followings… keep hurting the creatures that give you life. You who only care about you ego and popularity… you who are truly uncaring to anything but your own species. No one cares about plants in this modern government brainwashed world… I do though… but no one will listen. You say I’m insane but the that’s what the government does. If someone accesses taboo but important info they are labeled as insane. We are all being lied to… plants are like you and me… the entire world has been scammed and desensitized to their anguish…"
"I am a sucker for a plant and my heart sank when I finished reading this. Needless to say I will not be trying this selfish self-serving idea."
"Your all cowards for ignoring what you would feel if you accepted that these plants which can live as long as you if properly cared for, felt excruciating agony when you cut into their head. The bulb is like the amaryllis’ head. Your basically cutting off the top of its head with part of its brain and sealing a wound with hot wax. Your basically committing plant scaphism!!! Not that you would care all people like you care about is fashion and money. What kind of sick person exploits a living being this way? Do you truly care that little about your fellow life forms. Would you do this to an animal If it was legal? I’m sure you would just so long as the screaming was not audible. You really should treat plants better because without them as we will soon be we’d be dead!!! Plants and trees feel pain like us animals it’s been proven it’s just the corrupt rulers want to keep it hidden because billions are made torturing plants trees and even animals!!! You should do a little research before mutilating a creation that could live as long as you!!!
"Why on earth would you want to take a perfectly healthy bulb and kill it? If you plant it in soil and a nice pot it will live and rebloom for years, even longer, 20 years plus, if planted in the ground. The wax and root removal mean one season only and then trash. Shame on you."
And this comment compares me to a superstar:
"I agree completely (with the others.) Don't listen to the others (who kill bulbs) as they appear to not be real gardeners, otherwise they would not want to kill the bulb. Just goes to show you what a toss away society we have become. I am one of the editors of a garden blog and we were all quite surprised by this woman's nonchalant, almost condescending misguided boost. She reminds me of a Kardashian."
This guy nailed it. How do you argue with someone who sees the real you?
And finally -
"I just think we should be more kind to nature". It's hard to argue with that.
But I will.
Where does everyone think the bulbs that don't sell go? Are they transported to the world Amaryllis support team to be resuscitated and rehabilitated?
They are not. It's not their purpose. Their purpose is to bring a jolt of joy and lift your mood during one of the most depressing times of the year. I know this because I feel like that is my purpose as well.
The bring a jolt of joy and lift your mood - just like a Kardashian is supposed to.
Ann Visco
There was on old episode of Night Gallery or maybe The Twilight Zone that had trees dropping limbs on people who were trying to cut them with axes. Some mad scientist hooked up a recorder and heard the trees screaming when they were cut. It gave me nightmares. I still prune the crap out of my roses and fruit trees though.
I wonder how those posters feel about bonsai.
Michelle, Virginia Beach
Oh My!
Entertaining, to say the least! Composting amaryllis bulbs; I want to compost everything I can get my hands on! Heck, there's a kid around here that several neighbors want to compost.
As always, Karen... a unique brand of FUNNY!
In our area, we can plant the bubs outdoors & they keep on rolling. They do need to be side-dressed with good compost to keep blooming.
Elaine
Your blog never fails to disappoint. Subscribing to The Art of Doing Stuff has given me so much inspiration, knowledge about DIY and laughter. Your sense of humour kills me. (not literally, you know what I mean :). )
Thanks Karen
Jill
Don't usually say I'm only here for the comments, but I'm rofl. These are the best. What do these people eat if they are they are so protective of plants? Have they considered all the plants you give life to in your gardens? I feel like I should open an amaryllis sanctuary! You rock! Please keep on making me laugh
Hettie
I read some of the vitriolic comments to my husband. We laughed and laughed. He asked, "What do these people eat? Sand?"
Chela Noto
Goodness the haters are verbose! I am lucky enough to live in sunny California, I just plant my amaryllis out in the garden after the holidays, and the following summer I get blooms again! Wonder if it ever occurs to the haters that forcing amaryllis isn't really very nice, screws with their circadian rhythms (if that is a thing for plants). I will try waxing my bulbs next year because I think they look quite lovely that way, and then I will call the World Amaryllis Support team after the holidays, no wait, I will do as you suggest and try to get it ready to force the following Christmas!
Jeanine
This is too funny! As my mama said, "It takes all kinds." That's a southern US saying meaning there are lots of looney tunes in the world.
Kelly
Jeepers, those comments!
Stonie
I'm so glad you've posted this! I've been wondering what the heck to do with my spent amaryllis. I look forward to reading your posts every week! I truly enjoy them. As for all the haters...screw 'em!
Linda Weber
A fine medical doctor once told me that you can't please everybody and if you are you are doing something wrong!
Marcy
Thanks for this update! I also have waxed my amaryllis, have re-planted and then waxed them a 2nd time this year. They seem to be growing again, I did wax later in Dec, so we're behind on the blooming. I planted them outside, this summer (I'm in PA) and also planted the fingerlings that I took off from last years' bulbs. This all worked great and I didn't hear any screaming. I plan to re-plant these in the spring to see how long I can keep them going!
Lynda
Oof, that's a lot of vitriol lobbed at someone that had maybe 3 bulbs on the go. And what's wrong with enjoying something twice? Once as a flower and again as food for my other plants? Ooo, vegan cannibalism! Guess I better not tell them about nurse logs. They'd go try to "save" them from rotting.
Should take a page from Marie Kondo. Thank it for all the pleasure it gave you and then reverently put it where it will have a new life, useful to another (plant).
My friend works for a landscaping company. When the Ottawa Tulip Festival is finished all the bulbs get dumped in a big compost pile. Holland sends literally thousands to Ottawa every fall. My friend scooped a couple baggies full for me. No idea what they were and he said that he had to make sure he wasn't seen doing it. Though I heard a rumour that now the Tulip Festival tries to sell off some of the bulbs at the end of the blooming season. So if that's true, at least they're trying. The ones my friend gave me about 7 years ago are finally starting to die off as my daffodils are more aggressive and squeeze them out. I should ask for some more...
Amanda
But…what do those people that are so upset about plant torture EAT?? I am so confused…
Carol M
This happens in Victoria as well in Butchart Gardens. Tulips flower, they’re dug up and composted. I’m sure they have more years in them but it’s not my decision. It might be good if they could organize themselves to sell the used bulbs and donate funds to a good cause. Either way, I’m shocked at those comments. I’m glad they don’t follow me! Haha!
Mary-Anne
Oh my god, I have not laughed like that in a long time! Good gravy, then save the bulb. This is why I read you, you just can’t make this shit up!
Sioban Mccoy
Hahahahahaha. OMG so funny. Humanity is nuts. This post made my day!
Elizabeth Fischer
Wow there really are some Loonies out there. Who knew?
Lynda
I know, right? Maybe it's ok if it's bred to be food? But then that applies to domesticated animals too. Or maybe they're those select few that try to live on sunlight. Believe it or not, that is a thing out there.
Pam Carlson
I thought this was a really fun thing to do. Mine has bloomed beautifully,, and it was a fun project for my friend and I to try. I shared my waxed bulbs with a few people. The bulbs I bought were in a clearance bin at a big box store. This was their last attempt to bloom.
Forget the haters, they are not able to see the joy in this activity, which provides color and joy to us freezing folks in upper midwest. I wonder how many of them have pulled out their bulbs and forgot them, or threw them out accidently from the garage. Really people. It's all about the joy (and snark). LOL
Hope
Love this post. I did feel bad about tossing the bulbs as well, so ended up with 10 bulbs that grow leaves and never flower. This past summer, I took them outside (but late in August) and one out of 10 bloomed right in time for Christmas. I do have a question about taking them outside. I want to leave mine in little pots, but what kind of sun/shade should they get, or does it not matter?
Karen Eggleston
Yes, imagine the horror of ripping a living thing from it’s warm safe home, removing it’s skin, plunging it into boiling water and devouring it cruelly, slathered in animal fat.
DoIHaveTo?
That sounds like the best potato chip ever.
Melinda
Wow! I always look forward to your posts, but this one made me snort my coffee through my nose! (however, it's nice to know that we can resurrect a waxed bulb)