Does a Waxed Amaryllis Bulb Need To Be Watered?

If you’ve just bought a waxed amaryllis bulb or someone has given one to you, you’re probably excited to see it bloom in all its glory. Do you need to water your waxed amaryllis bulb?

Waxed amaryllis bulbs don’t need to be watered. The bulb has enough nutrients stored inside to help it grow and bloom into a beautiful flower. The wax coating on the outside provides a protective layer that keeps the bulb moist, and additional water isn’t necessary.

The rest of this article will discuss this topic in more detail to help you understand why waxed amaryllis bulbs don’t need to be watered. I’ll also explain how to care for your waxed amaryllis bulb so you can enjoy its beautiful flowers for longer. Let’s get started! 

Why Waxed Amaryllis Bulbs Don’t Need Water

Waxed amaryllis bulbs are a great way to enjoy the colors of this stunning flower without having to worry about watering. This can be a huge relief for those who always seem to forget to water their plants or want to add some low-maintenance greenery to their homes.

The bulbs normally store enough water and nutrients to sustain them throughout the blooming process. When the wax is applied, it creates a protective barrier around the bulb that keeps its natural moisture content balanced and prevents it from evaporating. The moisture inside the bulb is enough to keep it nourished until the flower blooms.

Waxed amaryllis bulbs don’t need to be watered until the flowers have fully developed and are ready for cutting. Even then, extra water isn’t necessary, as the waxed bulb will provide the flower with all the nutrients it needs to thrive.

Watering the bulb will do more harm than good. When water enters the waxed amaryllis bulb, it can disrupt its natural functioning and cause it to rot or become mushy. This will make it difficult for the flower to grow and bloom and could cause it to die prematurely.

Too much water will encourage mold and mildew to form, adding an unpleasant smell to the flower. The wax will also start to peel off, exposing the bulb and its delicate root system to the air and causing it to shrivel.

How To Care for Waxed Amaryllis Bulbs

While waxed amaryllis bulbs don’t require water to grow and bloom, you can still take a few simple steps to help the flower stay healthy and vibrant:

1. Place the bulb in a well-lit area. A waxed amaryllis bulb loves plenty of light during the day to help it grow and bloom. A bright window or a spot near an artificial light source are excellent options for providing optimal light for a healthy flower.
2. Keep the waxed amaryllis bulb away from direct sunlight. The extreme heat from direct sunlight can cause the wax to melt, making it difficult for the bulb to retain moisture. You should also avoid placing it in a drafty area or near an air conditioner, as this can cause the bulb to dry out.
3. Use a sharp pair of scissors or clippers to snip the stems. New growth can develop a waxed amaryllis bulb’s stems, and snipping off the dead flower heads will save the bulb’s energy and help promote new growth.
4. Keep the waxed bulb in a cool, dry area. Too much heat or humidity can melt the wax and cause the bulb to rot. The ideal temperature for a waxed amaryllis bulb is between 55 – 70 °F (13-21 °C).
5. Rotate the bulb every few days. Each side of the bulb should receive an equal amount of light to keep it from leaning in one direction. This will ensure the bulb is evenly exposed to sunlight and will stay balanced.

It’s also worth noting that this a type of “single use” amaryllis, and after it’s done blooming, you can discard it. Check out my article on how long waxed amaryllis bulbs last for more information.

How to Prepare Waxed Amaryllis Bulbs for the Next Season

When the growing season ends, and your waxed amaryllis bulb has bloomed, don’t discard it. Instead, you should prepare it for the next season and continue enjoying its beauty year after year.

To prepare your waxed amaryllis bulbs for the next season:

1. Pick off any remaining flower heads and trim the stems. The plant needs this time to rebuild its energy stores. Cut off the flower stokes as the flowers die, as this will help the plant focus its energy on restoring and replenishing itself. Leave about 2 inches (5 cm) of stem at the base of each flower.
2. Don’t cut the leaves. The leaves are the bulb’s energy source for the following season, so it’s essential to leave them intact. This will help the plant store energy and develop new flowers in the next growing season.
3. Remove the wax. The wax must be removed from the bulb, as it will block the plant’s natural breathing process. Peel the wax off or use a sharp knife to remove it carefully, so you don’t damage the roots.
4. Re-pot the bulb. Once the wax is removed, transfer the bulb into a new pot. The pot should be slightly larger than the bulb to give it room to grow. 
5. Fill the pot with fresh soil and plant the bulb. Use an all-purpose potting soil and mix it with perlite or sand to help the roots breathe. Create a small hole in the soil, and place the bulb into it. Fill the pot with soil, and leave the neck of the bulb exposed.
6. Place the bulb in a cool, dark place. Waxed amaryllis bulbs need to rest and re-energize before they start to grow again. Place the bulb in a cool, dry place and allow it to rest for 6 to 8 weeks. The temperature should be between 40 and 50 °F (4 and 10 °C).
7. Don’t water the bulb. The flower doesn’t need to be watered because it’s resting and replenishing its energy stores. Leave it in the dark for 8 to 10 weeks and check it periodically.

After the resting period is over:

1. Reposition the bulb in a sunny spot or near an artificial light source. You’ll notice that the bulb has grown new stems and leaves and is ready to start the flowering process. 
2. Start watering the bulb lightly. Water the bulb lightly every 7 to 10 days and mist the leaves daily. This will help keep the potting mix moist and provide enough moisture for the plant to bloom again.
3. The soil shouldn’t be saturated, as this can cause the bulb to rot. Wait until the top inch of the soil is dry before watering. As the bulb grows and blooms, continue to water it and provide it with plenty of light to promote growth and flowering. 
4. Fertilize the bulb twice a month. Use a diluted liquid fertilizer that is specifically designed for flowering plants. The fertilizer will promote new growth over the summer months and help the plant develop beautiful blooms in just a few weeks. 
5. The temperature should be maintained at 55 – 70 °F (13 – 21 °C). Amaryllis bulbs need warmth and humidity to bloom. Maintaining a constant temperature and humidity level will help ensure they continue growing and flowering.

Benefits of Waxed Amaryllis Bulbs Over Regular Amaryllis Bulbs

When caring for a waxed amaryllis bulb, you’ll notice that they have many advantages over regular bulbs. 

Here are some benefits of using a waxed amaryllis bulb over a regular one:

1. Soil and planting are unnecessary. Waxed amaryllis bulbs don’t need any soil or planting, making them an excellent choice for those who don’t have a green thumb. All you need to do is to wax the bulb, sit back, and enjoy its beauty.
2. You don’t need to water waxed bulbs. Since the wax seals the bulb and prevents water from seeping in, you don’t need to worry about watering the bulb. This makes it perfect for those who may forget or don’t have the time to water their plants daily. 
3. The wax prevents disease and pests. Waxing the bulb prevents diseases or pests from entering and damaging it. This makes the waxed amaryllis a perfect low-maintenance flower for any home or garden.
4. No re-potting is needed. Waxed amaryllis bulbs don’t require re-potting, as the wax creates a protective barrier that keeps the bulb in place. You can discard the bulb once it’s blooming or compost it in the garden, eliminating the need to re-pot it.

Conclusion

Waxed amaryllis bulbs are an excellent option for those who don’t have a green thumb or the time to water their plants daily. They require no soil or water, making them low-maintenance and easy to care for. 

When cared for properly, waxed amaryllis bulbs will bloom and create beautiful flowers in just a few weeks. So, if you’re looking for an easy-to-care-for flower that will last, waxed amaryllis bulbs are a perfect choice.