Waxed Amaryllis Bulbs: The No Water Flower for the Holidays

Waxed amaryllis bulbs are an innovation from Holland. They have been trendy in Europe for a few years. Now they are increasingly showing up in US stores and catalogs.

Why coat amaryllis bulbs with wax? Because it renders them easy to grow—no water or soil; they could not be more trouble-free. All the nutrients necessary to grow the bloom are already packed in the big round bulb. Possibly the colored wax also makes the plant more beautiful. The coating on the bulb looks jewel-like.

Amaryllis species are tropical and subtropical. Consequently, the Dutch who produce 93% of the world’s bulbs grow their amaryllis in Brazil where conditions are perfect for the plants.

The wax process requires that bulbs are jump-started with heat treatments to trigger the bulb to sprout. That readies them to produce blooms in three to six weeks after they reach the consumer.

The roots are first removed from the bulb. It is then covered in wax which prevents the bulb from growing new roots. A custom spiral metal stand is embedded in the wax to assure that the plant stands upright. As a result, the amaryllis doesn’t live beyond the bloom period.

Waxed bulbs are a one-time shot. Throw them out when they have finished blooming. There is nothing left to grow.

The Dutch innovators produce waxed bulbs in a variety of colors and ornamental finishes. They key wax colors to most holidays and all seasons. Finish options include metallic, glitter, marbled and more. Most of these selections are not yet available in the US, but be prepared for the possibilities when they arrive.

The wax treatment is applied to selected bulbs from only a few amaryllis varieties. Expect the waxed bulbs to produce blooms that are a bit shorter and stockier than their unaltered siblings.

If you want the traditional tall amaryllis flowers that last up to six weeks, you’ll need to grow an unwaxed bulb in soil. Choose firm dry bulbs. The larger the bulb the more flower stalks you will get.

Pre-potted bulbs require only water to start growing. (When potting the bulb yourself its shoulders should be one inch above the potting soil.) Water well initially and whenever the top two to three inches of soil are dry. Don’t over water—a wet bulb may rot. Place the pot where the temperature stays above 60F. Daytime temperature between 70F and 80F and bright light are ideal.

Rotate the pot often to prevent the bloom stalk from leaning toward the sun. If your amaryllis is coming to bloom too quickly, slow it down with a cooler nighttime temperature and reduced light. To prolong blooms move the plant away from direct sunlight when the buds show color.

You can also bring your amaryllis to bloom in water, but it leaves the bulb more depleted and less likely to bloom again. Allow only the roots to touch the water. Keep the water below the base of the bulb or the bulb will rot. Check the water level daily.

Blooming exhausts the bulb. When flowers are finished cut the stalk back one to three inches above the bulb. Do not remove the leaves; they make the food that nourishes the bulb. Keep it in a sunny window where leaves can gather light for photosynthesis. Water when the top inch of soil is dry and feed the bulb with a balanced water soluble fertilizer monthly. Plant your bulb outside after the last spring frost. Soil must be well-drained. Site your amaryllis in morning and midday sun (6 – 8 hours), not afternoon sun. It will bloom again during the following spring.

Amaryllis is hardy in Zones 8 – 10. Plants bloom naturally in spring or early summer. The bulbs we buy from stores and catalogs during the holiday season are forced for winter blooms.

Are waxed amaryllis bulbs tacky? Or are they akin to a bouquet of cut flowers—designed to be thrown out when blooms fade? Are they an innovative option for use in floral design? Perhaps they are the perfect gift for a brown thumb. You decide.

This story was originally published November 20, 2015 at 9:19 AM with the headline "Waxed Amaryllis Bulbs: The No Water Flower for the Holidays."