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Question
I have an amarylis that finished blooming. It has 4 large blooms and beautiful. I know I leave the flower scape alone until it withers and turns yellow, but what do I do with the green leaves. They are still green, do I cut them down?
This is the less than fun side of growing Amaryllis.
This plain, ordinary foliage needs to be treated to tons of Sun and sufficient water to thrive. Don't cut the leaves down; your Bulb needs them for photosynthesis, to build next season's beautiful Blooms. No leaves, no flowers.
Water sparingly -- enough to wet, then let the pot dry out. And make sure they get plenty of Sun. You can't give them too much of that. They love it.
Easy, but for some too tedious. Many people discard Amaryllis bulbs after the Blooms are spent. Many however grow them on. It's up to you.
Thanks for your question.
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Long Island Gardener
Expertise
Growing Tulips? Dahlias? Daffodils? Gladiolus? It doesn't get easier than bulbs and tubers. Once in a while, something goes wrong: The dreaded Narcissus Bulb Fly, which resembles a honeybee. Mosaic virus, which can ignite a field of tulips in a single season. Nematodes, lurking underground. Here on the North Shore of Long Island, the garden is full of surprises. If you live in the Northeast/Atlantic Coast, I can help you pick the right bulb for every season, indoors and out, and help you fertilize, bloom and harvest for home or work. How: I have degrees in related fields, but my best understanding is all learned from trial and error. For most of my 53 years I have been gardening somewhere. No matter what the problem, I've learned the best answers are always Organic -- Earth friendly, less expensive, healthier for people and pets, easier and cleaner than toxic liquids and powders that big chemical companies sell so smoothly.
Experience
Besides degrees in related fields, and a few favorite horticultural societies, I work as a docent at our local botanical gardens -- but it's the years of work in the garden that's the real test.
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