Discover the Magic of Waxed Amaryllis Bulbs
Published: March 17, 2023 | Updated: September 24, 2026
Did someone give you a waxed amaryllis bulb and leave you wondering what to do with it? Maybe you picked one up at Trader Joe’s because the wax was pretty (I get it), or you’re looking for a plant gift that won’t become someone else’s chore.
The beauty of a waxed amaryllis is how little it asks of you. It’s a regular amaryllis bulb dressed up in decorative wax: put it somewhere bright, skip the watering can, and let it do its thing. No pot, no soil, no upkeep.
A waxed amaryllis bulb blooms without soil or watering. Image © bernjuer via Canva.com
That’s why I love these as teacher gifts, hostess gifts, or something to brighten the day of a nursing home resident. I gave one to an elderly relative, and the big blooms brightened her room without giving her one more thing to take care of.
The catch? Waxed bulbs are generally meant to bloom once. If you can’t bear to toss yours afterward, you can peel off the wax and try to keep it growing. I can’t promise another round of flowers, but I’m always up for a fun plant experiment.
These colorful waxed bulbs need no pot or watering, just a bright spot and a little patience while you wait for the flowers. Image © Plant and Bloom Design Studio
How Do Waxed Amaryllis Bulbs Work?
Waxed amaryllis bulbs are regular bulbs that have been coated with a colorful layer of decorative wax. The wax coating serves several purposes:
No Soil or Water Needed: Waxed amaryllis bulbs are designed to be self-sufficient, eliminating the need for soil or water. The bulb contains all the nutrients it needs to grow and bloom, and the wax coating helps to retain moisture.
Decorative Appeal: The wax coating adds a decorative element to the bulb, making them popular holiday decorations or gifts.
Ease of Use: Waxed amaryllis bulbs are user-friendly and require minimal care. This makes them a convenient option for people who may not have a green thumb or those looking for low-maintenance indoor flowers.
Unique Gift Idea: Waxed amaryllis bulbs are often sold as pre-packaged gifts. Since they don't require any additional care or attention, they are a popular choice for people who want to give the gift of a blooming plant that needs no watering or maintenance.
A close-up of the wax coating that helps the bulb retain moisture while it blooms without soil or watering. Image © Plant and Bloom Design Studio
How to Care for a Waxed Amaryllis Bulb
Caring for a waxed amaryllis bulb is simple, and that's a big part of their appeal! Here’s all you need to do:
Placement: Choose a spot with bright, indirect light for your waxed amaryllis, such as a table or shelf near a window where the sun’s rays won’t shine directly on it.
Watering: None needed! Leave the watering can in the closet while your waxed amaryllis blooms.
Temperature: Keep your waxed amaryllis at a comfortable room temperature, around 60–75°F (15–24°C), away from heating vents and cold drafts.
As it grows: Turn the bulb every few days if the flower stalk starts leaning toward the window. Once the flowers open, enjoy the show!
A waxed amaryllis needs no watering while it grows and blooms. Image © Plant and Bloom Design Studio
Are Waxed Amaryllis Bulbs Toxic to Cats and Dogs?
Yes. Amaryllis is toxic to both cats and dogs, and the wax coating doesn’t make the plant pet-safe. If you’re giving one as a gift, it’s worth checking whether the recipient has curious pets at home.
For a flowering gift in a pet-friendly home, I’d choose a Thanksgiving or Christmas cactus instead. They still bring a welcome splash of color, and you don’t have to worry if a cat decides to investigate. You can also browse my guides to plants that are toxic to cats and dogs before bringing a new plant home.
Amaryllis leaves, stems and flowers are toxic to both dogs and cats. Image © Plant and Bloom Design Studio
For more help choosing plants for a pet-friendly home, visit my guides to plants that are toxic to dogs and houseplants that are toxic to cats.
Can a Waxed Amaryllis Bulb Rebloom?
A waxed amaryllis bulb might rebloom, but getting it to do so is a real gardening challenge! Image © Plant and Bloom Design Studio
Ah, the waxed amaryllis bulb. It’s a topic that can spark some serious debate in the plant-loving corners of the internet! You’ve got one side of the crowd who see these bulbs as a wasteful, mass-produced gimmick. Then there’s the other camp, who adore these cheerful, low-maintenance bulbs, especially for gifting.
If you’re feeling adventurous and in the mood for a horticultural challenge, you may wonder: can a waxed amaryllis bulb rebloom? Some people have tried and had varying degrees of success. It’s definitely not a guarantee, and worst-case scenario, the bulb stays stubborn, and you toss it out as originally intended. No harm, no foul!
If you’re up for a challenge, here are a few things you can do to try and coax a waxed amaryllis bulb into reblooming:
Carefully remove the wax coating without damaging the bulb.
Inspect the bulb and carefully cut away any brown, mushy areas with clean scissors or a knife.
Plant the bulb in fresh, well-draining potting soil.
Water sparingly at first, then more regularly as the roots start to grow.
Place it in a sunny spot with bright, indirect light.
Feed it with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
Let the bulb rest after blooming, allowing the leaves to wither naturally before cutting them back.
For more detailed instructions, The University of Delaware Extension explains how to save a waxed amaryllis bulb.
Good luck! 😉🤞