How Long Do Waxed Amaryllis Bulbs Last?

Waxed amaryllis bulbs are a popular holiday gift, and it can be a joy watching the vibrant flowers emerging from the plain brown bulb. While the exotic blooms may only last for a few weeks, you can enjoy them for much longer if you take proper care of the bulbs. So, how long do waxed amaryllis bulbs last? 

Waxed amaryllis bulbs can last between 6 and 10 weeks, depending on the wax type and the bulb’s quality. The wax coating protects the bulb from drying out and extends its longevity. However, you can increase your waxed amaryllis bulbs’ lifespan for years by removing the wax and replanting the bulb.

In this article, I’ll discuss a few topics related to waxed amaryllis bulbs, including their lifespan, what to do once they’ve bloomed, and how to replant them. I’ll also offer some tips on taking care of the waxed bulbs to ensure they last as long as possible. Let’s get started! 

Waxed Amaryllis Life Expectancy

Waxed amaryllis bulbs make beautiful flower arrangements and require minimal care. However, these waxed bulbs don’t typically carry instructions on how long they will last. 

A waxed amaryllis bulb typically lasts between 6 and 10 weeks. However, this can vary depending on the temperature in their environment, light, and humidity levels. The wax coating on the bulbs provides a protective layer that helps to keep them from drying out quickly and can help them to last longer in drier conditions.

Waxed amaryllis bulbs use stored nutrients to produce beautiful blooms. A waxed amaryllis doesn’t need watering as compared to traditional amaryllis bulbs.

Instead, the bulb should be placed in indirect sunlight and kept from excessive heat or cold to keep it healthy and allow you to enjoy its beauty for longer. A temperature of around 55 to 70°F (12 to 21°C) is ideal, and it will take about 2 to 4 weeks for the bulb to sprout and bloom. 

You can expect a healthy waxed amaryllis bulb to produce up to 4 beautiful blooms that can last anywhere from 7 to 14 days. As the plant blooms, it will need more light and can benefit from being turned or rotated to ensure it receives even light. 

The bulb eventually loses its bloom to the natural deterioration process and starts to wilt. After the blooms have faded, you can discard the bulb or replant it in the soil and continue to enjoy its beauty. 

Planting the bulb in soil and providing proper care can extend the life of a waxed amaryllis bulb for up to 5 years or more and allow you to enjoy beautiful blooms for years to come. 

What To Do After Your Waxed Amaryllis Blooms

As your amaryllis produces blooms, you can discard the bulb or replant it in some soil in your garden or a pot. Replanting the bulb is a fantastic idea, as it allows you to keep the plant for longer.

However, before you replant the bulb, it’s essential to prepare it properly during the blooming process. Since amaryllis bulbs produce several flower stalks, removing them one at a time as they fade away is vital. This helps the bulb conserve energy and store nutrients for new flower stalks and blooms.

Snip off the stalks at the bulb’s base with scissors leaving about 1 to 2 inches (25.4 to 50.8 mm) of stem attached. You can remove the cut stalks from the bulb and discard them to make room for new flower stalks.

You’ll notice that leaves appear as the flower stalks die. The leaves help replenish the bulb’s energy and make it stronger for the next flowering period, making it essential not to remove them if you plan to replant the bulb.

After all the flower stalks have been removed, you need to strip off the waxing. You can do this using a soft cloth or paper towel. Gently rub the wax away to expose the bulb. If the wax is stubborn, use a pair of tweezers to remove it delicately. 

A waxed amaryllis bulb usually has a piece of metal or plastic attached to its base for stability. You should remove and discard this as it can cause the bulb to rot if kept in place when replanted. 

Removing the metal or plastic piece will expose the bulb’s base, and you’ll be able to see the roots growing out of the bottom. Don’t be alarmed when you see the roots, as this signifies that the bulb is healthy and ready for replanting. Carefully handle the bulb and roots to ensure you don’t accidentally damage them.

Check out my article on reblooming Amaryllis to learn more.

How To Replant Waxed Amaryllis Bulbs

Now that you’ve prepped your waxed amaryllis bulb, you can begin replanting. 

Here’s how to replant your amaryllis bulb:

1. Ensure your bulbs are in good condition and not too dry or brittle. Carefully inspect each bulb before planting, looking for any cracked, broken, or missing pieces.
2. If there are damaged areas on the bulb, gently break them off with your hands. Use a knife to cut off any roots that are dark brown or black and discard them.
3. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the bulb, and fill it with well-draining potting soil. 
4. Create a hole in the soil that is slightly larger than the bulb, and gently place the bulb in it. 
5. Cover the bulb with soil and gently pat it down. The bulb’s neck should be visible at the soil’s surface. 
6. Add fertilizer to help the bulb establish itself in its new home. 
7. Water your pot to help settle the soil and ensure that all the roots are firmly planted.
8. Place the pot in a sunny spot and water it regularly to moisten the soil.

Once you’ve replanted your waxed amaryllis bulb, sit back and enjoy watching it grow and transform into an even more beautiful flower. 

Maximizing the Lifespan of Your Waxed Amaryllis Bulbs

If you’re looking to extend the lifespan of your waxed amaryllis bulbs, you can do a few things:

1. Ensure your bulbs are kept at the right temperature. Waxed amaryllis bulbs are best kept at a temperature range of 60 to 70°F (18 to 21°C) and shouldn’t be exposed to temperatures lower than 50°F (10°C) or higher than 80°F (26°C).
2. Provide plenty of sunlight. Place them in a sunny spot where they can get at least 6 hours of indirect sunlight daily. This will help maximize their lifespan and ensure that the blooms are of the highest quality.
3. Keep your bulbs away from direct sunlight. While some sunlight benefits growth, too much can cause the wax to melt and make the bulb dry out faster. Keep your bulbs away from heaters and direct sunlight to avoid this issue.
4. Rotate your bulbs regularly. Rotating your bulbs will help them receive an even amount of light, keeping them solid and healthy. The flower stalks will grow straight and evenly, creating a more aesthetically pleasing bloom.
5. Keep your bulbs away from excessively humid areas. Even though waxed amaryllis bulbs need some humidity to thrive, too much can encourage mold growth, causing the bulb to rot and shortening its lifespan.
6. When the flowers start fading, cut them off at the base of the stem. The stalk will continue to draw energy and nutrients away from the bulb, and removing them will help preserve the bulb’s energy and prevent it from dying. 

Under the correct light and humidity conditions, waxed amaryllis bulbs can last for years, ensuring you get the most out of your beautiful blooms.

Conclusion

Waxed amaryllis bulbs can add a beautiful splash of color to any room or garden. However, to ensure the blooms last as long as possible and look their best, giving your bulbs the right environment and care is essential.

Once the blooming is complete, consider replanting the bulbs so you can enjoy their beauty for years to come. Choose healthy bulbs, replant them correctly, and provide them with the right temperature, sunlight, and humidity. 

You can plant them outside during the summer or in a pot throughout the year.