From my perspective as an Amaryllis, the journey into dormancy begins not with a calendar date, but with the subtle shifts in light and life within me. After my spectacular bloom has faded and the last magnificent flower has wilted, my focus shifts entirely. I must channel all my remaining energy from my large, sun-gathering leaves down into my bulb, my life source. This process is not an instant shutdown; it is a gradual winding down. You will notice my leaves starting to yellow and wither. Please, do not cut them off while they are still green! This is how I photosynthesize and store energy for my next growth cycle. I am essentially packing my own lunch for the long nap ahead.
Once my leaves have turned yellow and brown, they can be gently removed. This signals that the energy transfer is complete. Now, the most critical part of your care begins: the cessation of watering. To store me properly, you must mimic the dry season of my native habitat. Any water now would be a confusing signal, potentially urging me to start new growth at the wrong time or, worse, causing my bulb to rot. Place my pot in a cool, dark, and absolutely dry location. A basement cupboard or a dark closet where temperatures stay consistently between 50-55°F (10-13°C) is ideal. This cool, dark environment is my cue that it is time for a deep, restorative sleep.
For the next 8 to 10 weeks, I require this period of uninterrupted rest. This dormancy is not a state of death but one of intense potential. Inside my papery brown exterior, I am quietly regrouping. My internal chemistry is shifting, and the embryonic flower stalk within me is slowly developing, gathering the strength it will need for its next spectacular performance. It is vital that my environment remains cool, dark, and dry during this entire period. Any significant warmth or light can prematurely break my dormancy, leading to weak, stunted growth. Please check on me occasionally to ensure I remain firm and that no rot has set in, but otherwise, let me sleep.
When you sense that approximately 8 weeks have passed, or you see the very tip of a new flower spike emerging from my neck, it is time to wake me. Do not simply flood me with water and sun. Gently bring my pot out of the darkness into a warmer, brighter room. Resume watering with a modest drink, thoroughly wetting the soil, but ensure any excess water can drain away freely. As I respond by sending up new green shoots, you can gradually increase watering and provide more sunlight. This gentle reawakening allows me to transition smoothly from my dormant state back into a vigorous growth phase, ready to reward your patience with another breathtaking bloom.
