Reblooming Amaryllis Problem - Ask Extension
We have been re-blooming amaryllis bulbs for at least ten+ years now. We carefully the instructions found in numerous places on the web (all pretty m...
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Reblooming Amaryllis Problem #924605
Asked February 15, 2026, 11:46 AM EST
We have been re-blooming amaryllis bulbs for at least ten+ years now. We carefully the instructions found in numerous places on the web (all pretty much the same.) PROBLEM: FOR THE FIRST TIME, 8 OF THE 9 BULBS DID NOT PRODUCE ANY BLOOMS. One plant did bloom. The plants are definitely alive -- strong green leaves but no blooms.
Question: Should we continue to follow the "instructions" (e.g. plant outside, bring inside to hibernate for x weeks in the basement, etc. OR Should I start ordering new bulbs now. Thank you.
Medina County Ohio
Expert Response
It sounds as though these bulbs did not accrue enough nutrients after they were done blooming. I have a few questions:
Did you remove the spent blooms with the seeds?
Did the plants receive at least 6 hours of sun when they were outdoors for the summer?
And did you give them a balanced houseplant fertilizer monthly while they were outdoors?
Did you remove the spent blooms with the seeds?
Did the plants receive at least 6 hours of sun when they were outdoors for the summer?
And did you give them a balanced houseplant fertilizer monthly while they were outdoors?
Hello and thank you for your quick reply. The answer is "yes" to your first two questions, and "no" to the question about fertilizer. (My husband takes care of the vegetable garden and the amaryllis during the summer and I did not realize this.)
So should we plant them outside again AND fertilize, or should I order new bulbs now? Note: I realize this is a judgment call and that the "correct" answer is unknown!
Thank you. Pat Bellace
Yes, this is a judgement call and as a person who has carried over amaryllis for many years, my advice is to keep half of the original plants and try fertilizing them over the summer. But I would also order some new bulbs as well for insurance. In addition, the best information on amaryllis care I could find is in the link below:
https://extension.umn.edu/houseplants/amaryllis
https://extension.umn.edu/houseplants/amaryllis
