Waxed Amaryllis Bulbs
The Perfect Plant Gift - Zero Maintenance Required
Learn how waxed amaryllis bulbs work, and if they are able to rebloom.
A waxed amaryllis bulb in full bloom.
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!
For the best blooms, opt for the largest waxed amaryllis bulb you can find. Bigger bulbs tend to produce more flower-bearing stems. Most bulbs will 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 indirect light. Everything the amaryllis needs to grow is contained within the wax bulb, no water or soil required!
Flower 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 or dogs. Read on for a list of pet-safe alternatives to amaryllis bulbs.
Waxed amaryllis bulbs 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.
These wax-coated bulbs have become widely available in recent years and are available to purchase year-round online. You can also find them sold seasonally in grocery stores like Trader Joe’s.
Waxed amaryllis bulbs are meant to be single-use, decorative floral pieces, making them an ideal gift for those without a green thumb. But will waxed amaryllis rebloom? Some gardeners have had success getting bulbs to rebloom - read on for tips to try yourself.
How Do Waxed Amaryllis Bulbs Work?
Waxed amaryllis bulbs are regular 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 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 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 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.
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. The wax coating helps to 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 exposure to extreme temperatures or drafts.
Enjoy the Bloom: Once the bulb begins to sprout and bloom, simply enjoy the beautiful flowers!
After Blooming: After the blooming period is over, there's no need to keep the bulb for future growth. The waxed amaryllis is considered to be 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.
Will waxed amaryllis rebloom? Sometimes…read on for some tips for encouraging your amaryllis bulb to rebloom.
Waxed amaryllis bulbs are easy to integrate into your home decor, and won’t mark wooden tabletops with water stains.
Are Waxed Amaryllis Bulbs Poisonous to Dogs and Cats?
Amaryllis are highly toxic and should not be grown in homes with cats or dogs, or given as a gift to anyone with pets. Consider buying or gifting any of these pet-safe alternatives to amaryllis bulbs instead:
Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter cactus
Air plants (Tillandsia)
Basil
Bromeliads
Echeveria
Living stones (Lithops)
Money tree (Pachira)
Moth orchids (Phalaenopsis)
Olive trees
Peperomia
Prayer Plant (Maranta)
Rosemary
Hoya
Will Waxed Amaryllis Rebloom?
Ah, the waxed amaryllis bulb — 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, insulting, mass-produced gimmick. Then there’s the other camp, who adore these cheerful, low-maintenance bulbs, especially for gifting.
Don’t let the online opinions get to you — love them or hate them, these bulbs can be a fun, no-fuss way to add a burst of floral beauty. I brought one to an elderly relative in a nursing home, and since she no longer goes outside, this zero-maintenance plant gift truly brightened her day.
Now, 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 try to 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.
Or, try this method recommended by the University of Delaware’s Extension. Good luck! 😉🤞
Will a waxed amaryllis bulb rebloom?