You are the recent recipient of a unique and interesting gift. You may be wondering, is it a real plant? Is it an ornament? What is it? It’s an amaryllis bulb that has been encased in wax; it will begin to grow and produce showy flowers soon. Perhaps you are unsure what to do with this one-of-a-kind amaryllis flower gift. You are not the only person who is wondering how to grow a waxed amaryllis bulb. It’s incredibly easy, so easy it really requires nothing more than setting it on a flat surface in a brightly lit area. Perhaps you have other questions and want more depth to this new gift. All of your questions about your new waxed amaryllis bulb will be answered below.
How to Grow a Waxed Amaryllis Bulb
Happiness Red Waxed Amaryllis
When Holland Bulb Farms first started selling waxed amaryllis bulbs in 2018, I did not think we would have many questions about how to grow them. However, over the past several years, I have seen and received several questions about growing waxed amaryllis. Therefore, I realized it would be helpful to address these questions and provide answers about growing waxed amaryllis.
Should I plant my new waxed amaryllis gift?
No, the waxed amaryllis bulb does not need to be planted in a pot with soil. It also should not be planted in a glass vase or anything similar with water at the bottom. The best way to “plant” your waxed amaryllis is to find a flat surface like a table, counter, or mantel where the waxed amaryllis can be set out and proudly displayed.
Does the waxed amaryllis bulb need water?
While waxed amaryllis bulbs are growing and encased in wax, they do not require watering. During the growth and bloom phase of amaryllis bulbs, they tolerate dry or drought conditions. The bulbs grown for waxed amaryllis have been specially prepared to grow and bloom without requiring any water.
Candy Cane Waxed Amaryllis
Do waxed amaryllis need sun to grow?
The biggest and best amaryllis blooms will come from an amaryllis bulb that gets some direct light. However, they will flower in low-light conditions as well, which makes them the perfect gift for nearly anyone.
What is the ideal location for my waxed amaryllis?
The ideal location is a warm and sunny flat surface in your home. Avoid cold and drafty rooms, and avoid placing the waxed amaryllis directly next to a window.
How long until my wax amaryllis blooms?
Your amaryllis will bloom in about 4-8 weeks. Warm and sunny locations often result in the bulb blooming faster.
Why is the growth from my waxed amaryllis white or pale green?
When you first open a waxed amaryllis after it’s been shipped, the stem and top of the bulb may appear white or whitish green. That is completely normal, as the bulb was in a dark location while in its shipping box. Once exposed to sunlight, all parts of the bulb and stem will green up.
Sparkle and Shine Waxed Amaryllis
What should I do with the waxed amaryllis when it is done blooming?
The waxed amaryllis bulb may bloom 1-3 times in the weeks after receiving it. Once the bulb stops producing flower stems and starts producing leaves only, it is generally a sign that the bulb will not flower again this season. The wax can be peeled from the bulb. Once the wax is peeled, remove the balloon that is covering the bulb. After the wax and balloon are removed, you should see the outer skin of the amaryllis bulb. It can be planted in a pot with soil and water. For more amaryllis aftercare tips, check out this helpful article.
Waxed Amaryllis: As Easy as Pie!
Perhaps we should change the saying “as easy as pie” to “as easy as waxed amaryllis”? Because both eating pie and growing waxed amaryllis are easy and delightful, I will work on getting this saying out in the world! Waxed amaryllis are ready to grow and are delightful gifts for people of all ages and garden skill levels. Amaryllis aren’t fragrant, making them even better for places where people who are sensitive to fragrance may live. No planting, no soil, no water is required–just a nice surface and a little warmth, and wait for the blooms to appear—like magic!
