If an amaryllis fails to bloom, it’s usually because the bulb didn’t store enough energy during the previous growing season.
Amaryllis are bulbs that rely on their leaves to rebuild strength after flowering, so if conditions weren’t ideal, they may skip a bloom cycle. A healthy amaryllis bulb can bloom for decades, often producing bigger and more dramatic flowers each year once it settles into a good cycle.
Common Reasons Amaryllis Don’t Bloom
1. Leaves were removed too early
After flowering, the strap-like leaves should grow for several months. If they were cut back too soon, the bulb couldn’t store enough energy.
2. Not enough light
Amaryllis leaves need bright light during Spring and Summer to recharge the bulb.
3. No dormancy period
To bloom again, most amaryllis need 8–10 weeks of cool, dry rest in Fall. See below.
4. Bulb is crowded or planted too deep
Amaryllis prefer a snug pot, but if the bulb is buried completely it may struggle. The top third should sit above the soil.
5. Bulb is too small or weakened
Young bulbs or bulbs that didn’t receive fertilizer may take another year to regain strength.
How to Get It to Bloom Next Year
Pro Tip: Amaryllis naturally grow toward light, which can cause the tall stems to lean. Professionals rotate the pot a quarter turn every few days so the stalk grows straight and balanced. This produces the tall, dramatic flower presentation amaryllis are famous for.
Common Reasons Amaryllis Don’t Bloom
1. Leaves were removed too early
After flowering, the strap-like leaves should grow for several months. If they were cut back too soon, the bulb couldn’t store enough energy.
2. Not enough light
Amaryllis leaves need bright light during Spring and Summer to recharge the bulb.
3. No dormancy period
To bloom again, most amaryllis need 8–10 weeks of cool, dry rest in Fall. See below.
4. Bulb is crowded or planted too deep
Amaryllis prefer a snug pot, but if the bulb is buried completely it may struggle. The top third should sit above the soil.
5. Bulb is too small or weakened
Young bulbs or bulbs that didn’t receive fertilizer may take another year to regain strength.
How to Get It to Bloom Next Year
- Let the leaves grow all Spring and Summer (indoors). Place the plant in a bright window. One of the most common mistakes that prevents amaryllis from blooming again is cutting off the leaves too early after the flowers fade.
- Feed regularly. Use a balanced houseplant fertilizer every 2–3 weeks while leaves are actively growing.
- Give it a Fall rest. In early Fall, stop watering and fertilizing and allow the leaves to naturally yellow and die back. Store the bulb in a cool, dark place (50–60°F) for about 8–10 weeks (early October for holiday blooms).
- Restart growth. When bringing the bulb out of dormancy, water very lightly at first - just enough to moisten the soil. Too much water early on can encourage leaves instead of a flower stalk. Once the flower stem begins to emerge, watering can increase normally. Repot if needed, water lightly, and place in a bright warm spot. A flower stalk usually appears in 4–8 weeks.
Pro Tip: Amaryllis naturally grow toward light, which can cause the tall stems to lean. Professionals rotate the pot a quarter turn every few days so the stalk grows straight and balanced. This produces the tall, dramatic flower presentation amaryllis are famous for.
After the blooms are finished, amaryllis sends up long green leaves. These leaves are extremely important because they act like solar panels, capturing light and producing energy that the bulb stores for the next year’s flower. If the leaves are trimmed back, tied up, or allowed to weaken from poor light, the bulb cannot recharge itself and may skip blooming the following season.