Indoor waxed amaryllis bulbs have become increasingly popular in recent years, and it’s no wonder why.
Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) naturally bloom in winter, growing large, showy trumpet-shaped flowers in vibrant shades of red, pink, and white colors. Wax dipped bulbs don’t need any soil or water. All they need is a bright spot and they’ll bloom beautifully.
The wax bulbs come in festive colors which makes for great holiday decorations and Christmas gifts, especially because they are so easy to care for!
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What are Waxed Amaryllis Bulbs?
A waxed amaryllis bulb is a dormant bulb that has been coated in decorative wax. This wax coating seals in the moisture and nutrients needed for the bulb to bloom. The wax also adds an attractive and colorful layer to the bulb, making it a stunning decorative piece for any indoor space.
It’s important to note that the wax coating is not meant to be a long-term solution for the bulb’s growth. After the blooming period, the wax can be removed, and the bulb can be treated like a regular amaryllis bulb if you wish to continue growing it.
Further reading: House plants for beginners.
Read more: Popular flowering Christmas plant list.
How to Care for Amaryllis Bulbs in Wax
Light
Waxed amaryllis bulbs prefer bright, indirect light. Place them near a window where they can receive plenty of filtered sunlight.
To ensure even growth, rotate the bulb every few days to prevent it from leaning towards the light source.
Watering
One of the greatest advantages of waxed amaryllis bulbs is that they don’t need to be watered. The bulb has all the moisture it needs stored within.
Flowers
The stunning Amaryllis flowers provide a long-lasting display throughout the Christmas holiday season and often even into the New Year.
Once the waxed amaryllis bulb starts to bloom, it will produce tall, vibrant flowers that can last for several weeks. To prolong the blooming period, keep the bulb in a cool location away from direct sunlight.
Read more: How to keep flowers fresh longer.
How Long do Waxed Amaryllis Bulbs Last
Wax amaryllis bulbs typically last for one blooming cycle, which can range from 4 to 8 weeks. Once the blooming period is over, the bulb will not bloom again unless it is planted in soil and given the proper care to encourage future growth.
Further reading: Waxed Amaryllis Bulbs – What to Do After it Blooms
After the flowers have faded, you can remove the wax coating from the bulb. Gently peel off the wax, being careful not to damage the bulb. Once the wax is removed, treat the bulb like a regular amaryllis bulb.
So if you want to enjoy the beauty of amaryllis flowers year after year, you have to plant the bulb in well-draining soil and provide it with the necessary care, including regular watering, proper lighting, and appropriate temperature conditions. This will allow the bulb to go through its natural growth cycle and produce flowers in subsequent years.
Kass
Monday 14th of July 2025
What do I do with the bulb now that it’s in soil? I got leaves that are 2 ft high, no sign on flowers.
GRAMMIEBUD
Monday 1st of April 2024
Interesting because my waxed bulb flowered for Christmas, the flowers died, and it is blooming again for Easter.
Linda
Wednesday 3rd of January 2024
What do I do with it once it is done blooming?
Mod and Mint - Deborah Green
Monday 15th of January 2024
Hi Linda, I am working on a separate article about what to do with the wax bulb when it has finished flowering. In short, you can gently remove the wax from the bulb and store it in a cool, dry place during dormancy, like a dark cupboard or basement. Keep them in a paper bag or mesh bag to allow air circulation and prevent mold. Plant the bulb in soil during the fall, ideally between September and November, for beautiful blooms in winter or early spring. Hope this helps!
Carol
Friday 29th of December 2023
We live in Ohio where it's cold in the winter. How can I plant it when the grounds are usually frozen??
Beth
Thursday 28th of December 2023
It would have been helpful to talk about storing the bulbs when in dormancy.
Mod and Mint - Deborah Green
Monday 15th of January 2024
Hi Beth, sorry for my late reply, that's a good point. I'm working on a separate article about what to do with your waxed Amaryllis bulbs when they finished blooming. In short, you can gently remove the wax from the bulb and store it in a cool, dry place during dormancy, like a dark cupboard or basement. Keep them in a paper bag or mesh bag to allow air circulation and prevent mold. Hope this helps!