Waxed Amaryllis Bulbs
The Perfect Plant Gift
No watering required!
Waxed amaryllis bulbs have surged in popularity recently, becoming a favorite low-maintenance floral gift requiring no care or maintenance…simply set in a bright spot and wait for the blooms to emerge! When choosing your bulbs, select the largest ones available. Larger bulbs will have more flower-producing stems. Most amaryllis grow 1-3 stems, with each stem producing 2-4 flowers.
Place the waxed bulb on a table top or other flat surface, in bright light. Everything amaryllis need to grow is contained within the wax bulb, and no water or soil is required. Buds will emerge in as little as one week, and blooms can be expected in 4-6 weeks. Amaryllis are highly toxic and should not be grown in homes with cats and dogs.
Waxed amaryllis make a wonderful hostess, teacher or holiday gift. Because of their no-maintenance nature, they are also the perfect gift for anyone who is in a nursing home, hospital, or housebound due to illness or mobility issues. They have become widely available in recent years, available to purchase year-round online, and sold as seasonal items at grocery stores like Trader Joe’s. Waxed amaryllis are meant to be treated as a single use, decorative item to be thrown out when blooming has finished.
What is a waxed amaryllis bulb?
Waxed amaryllis bulbs are amaryllis bulbs that have been coated with a layer of decorative wax. This process is done to create a unique and visually appealing product that doesn't require soil or water for growth. The waxed 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 retain moisture.
Decorative Appeal: The wax coating adds a decorative element to the bulb, often in various colors. This makes waxed amaryllis bulbs popular as 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 plants.
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 without the hassle of traditional planting and maintenance.
It's important to note that while waxed amaryllis bulbs can produce beautiful flowers, they are typically designed for a single blooming period, and the bulbs are not meant to be saved for future growth. Once the flowering period is over, the bulb can be discarded.
How do you take care of a waxed amaryllis bulb?
Caring for a waxed amaryllis bulb is remarkably simple, and that's part of the appeal of these decorative plants. Here are the basic steps to care for a waxed amaryllis bulb:
Placement: Choose a location with bright indirect light for your waxed amaryllis. It can be on a table, shelf, or any place where it receives bright, indirect sunlight.
No Water or Soil: One of the key features of waxed amaryllis bulbs is that they don't require soil or water. The bulb has all the nutrients it needs for blooming stored within it. The wax coating helps retain moisture, so there's no need to water the bulb.
Steady Temperature: Keep the waxed amaryllis in a room with a consistent temperature between 60-75°F (15-24°C). Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures or drafts.
Enjoy the Bloom: Once the bulb begins to sprout and bloom, simply enjoy the beautiful flowers. The waxed amaryllis is typically designed for a single blooming period.
After Blooming: After the blooming period is over, there's no need to keep the bulb for future growth. The waxed amaryllis is often considered a one-season wonder.
In essence, the appeal of waxed amaryllis lies in its simplicity and lack of required maintenance. It's a perfect choice for those who want to enjoy the beauty of blooming flowers without the usual tasks associated with plant care.
Waxed amaryllis bulbs are easy to integrate into your home decor, and won’t mark wooden tabletops with water stains.