Amaryllis bulbs are often grown around the winter holidays for their big, colorful flowers. But perhaps you’ve never seen a waxed amaryllis bulb before. They’re already trendy holiday decorations in Europe, but are becoming increasingly popular in the U.S., popping up everywhere from Trader Joe’s to Costco to various online retailers. As if by magic, these waxed bulbs grow and bloom almost anywhere you put them without needing any watering. Here’s how to enjoy your own waxed amaryllis this holiday season.
How Waxed Amaryllis Bulbs Work
With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, the last thing you need is yet more to take care of. That’s why waxed amaryllis bulbs are pure genius. The wax coating holds in all the moisture the bulb needs to produce its beautiful flowers. Because of this, the bulbs don’t even need to be potted and you can place them almost anywhere you like, such as a tabletop, decorative tray, or mantel.
Besides making these plants practically effortless to grow and enjoy, the waxy coating itself can add a decorative element. You can find the bulbs coated in festive colors, patterns, and even glitter or moss. They also often come with a wire stand attached to the bottom to help support the bulb.
As for the amaryllis flowers, they come in red, white, pink, and bicolors, perfect for adding floral flair to your holiday decor. Each bulb will produce one or two tall flower stalks topped with a cluster of 3-4 individual blossoms. The stalks can grow 18-24 inches in height.
Waxed Amaryllis Care
The care instructions for a waxed amaryllis bulb couldn’t be simpler—they’re even more low-maintenance than air plants, which do require occasional watering. The most important thing is to keep your amaryllis in a well-lit space so it can make a little energy from photosynthesis. Rotate the bulb every couple of days to help the flower stalks grow straighter. If they get a little top-heavy, placing the bulb in a low glass vase can help keep the flowers upright.
How Long Do Waxed Amaryllis Bulbs Last?
Similar to unwaxed amaryllis, waxed bulbs take about four to six weeks to begin blooming. The plant will bloom continuously for up to 3 weeks in average room temperatures. Waxed amaryllis bulbs will only bloom once so are intended to be enjoyed for a few weeks and then tossed, similar to your fading potted poinsettias. But also similar to poinsettias, it’s possible to save the plant from year to year with the right care.
What to Do with Waxed Amaryllis After Blooming
If you’re willing to put in the effort, you can saving your waxed amaryllis bulb after it’s done blooming. First, you’ll need to remove the waxy coating; soaking the entire bulb in warm water for 10-15 minutes beforehand can help loosen the wax. The plant uses moisture and nutrients stored in the bulb to fuel its blooms, so when you remove the wax, the bulb may look a little shriveled. As long as the bulb has some firmness to it and doesn’t feel mushy, it should recover with a little time and water.
Sometimes mold will occur under the wax. If you see any signs of it, try to peel away loose outer layers until you’ve removed any infected parts. You should also cut off the flower stalks to the plant doesn’t waste energy trying to form seeds. Make your cut a couple of inches above the bulb.
Plant the amaryllis in a pot so that the top third of the bulb sticks up above the potting mix. Water well and place it in a brightly lit spot. The bulb should begin to grow roots that will replenish the bulb with water. Leaves may also begin to grow. Then follow our guide to encourage your amaryllis bulb bloom again the next year. With the right care, you can enjoy your amaryllis bulb for years to come.
