Waxed Amaryllis Bulbs – What to Do After it Blooms

Waxed Amaryllis bulbs are so easy to grow, they don’t even need to be watered! But what do you do when they are finished blooming?

Most people simply throw out the wax bulb when the flowers wilt. But remove the wax, and with proper care, you can salvage and save your Amaryllis to have it rebloom!

Waxed 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 the wax is removed and the bulb is planted in soil. That way it can bloom year after year.

Further reading: How to care for a waxed Amaryllis bulb.

What to do with the Wax Bulb After Flowering

You can remove the wax coating from a waxed amaryllis bulb after the flowers have faded. This will allow you to treat the bulb like a regular amaryllis bulb.

1. Remove wilted flowers: When the flowers have wilted, you can gently remove the entire stalk that has finished blooming. You can keep the leaves attached, or if they have also wilted, cut those as well.
2. Take out metal wire: If the wax has a metal wire insert on the bottom to keep it upright, gently pull that out first.
3. Remove wax: Using a sharp knife or pruning shears, make a shallow cut through the wax, being careful not to damage the bulb, and peel off the wax. This will reveal the bulb underneath.
4. Remove cellophane layer: Some bulbs have a cellophane wrap layer inside the wax to protect the bulb. Remove this as well.
5. Plant or store the bulb: Once the wax is removed, you can plant the bulb or store it for future use. If planting, let it air-dry for a few days to let any wounds heal. Follow the regular Amaryllis bulb planting instructions. If storing, place the bulb in a cool, dry place until you are ready to plant it. Keep the bulb in a paper 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.