Some Gifts Just Keep Giving: A Waxed Amaryllis Bulb in Bloom
Carrie gave me a waxed amaryllis bulb for my birthday back in November, and at the time it was a quiet little thing with just a few tiny tips peeking through the wax. I set it out and honestly didn’t expect much—just something pretty to enjoy during the winter months.
But watching an amaryllis grow has turned into a daily delight. That little bulb has gone from its first hint of green to a full amaryllis in bloom with not one, not two, but five beautiful blooms so far—and there are still new shoots coming. It’s been fascinating to see how quickly it changes, and it’s easy to understand why a holiday amaryllis gift can truly feel like something that keeps giving. Even my husband checks on it every day, always commenting on how much it’s grown and how beautiful it’s become.
A Front-Row Seat to Something Remarkable
If you love fresh flowers like I do, an amaryllis is truly a no-brainer. Instead of enjoying a bouquet for just four or five days, an amaryllis in bloom brings fresh flowers into your home for weeks at a time. What makes a waxed amaryllis bulb even more remarkable is how effortless it is — no watering, no feeding, no fuss. You simply place it in a sunny spot and let nature do the rest.
This photo shows the growth over four weeks, from my birthday in November to today, and the transformation has been nothing short of amazing. From tiny green tips to tall stalks and now multiple blooms, watching an amaryllis grow feels almost magical. It’s also what makes a holiday amaryllis gift such a thoughtful choice, especially for kids, who would be fascinated by its steady progress, surprising speed, and sheer determination to bloom again and again.
Where to Find a Waxed Amaryllis Bulb
My waxed amaryllis bulb came from City Mercantile in downtown Pontotoc, but they’re widely available both in-store and online. You can usually find waxed amaryllis bulbs at retailers like Amazon, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Walmart, and other garden centers or gift shops, especially during the fall and holiday season. Prices typically range from $20 to $30, depending on size and presentation. The bulbs are coated in a thick layer of wax designed for the season—around the holidays, you’ll often see them finished with festive colors or even a bit of glitter to make them extra gift-worthy.
Click here for my Amazon affiliate link if you’d like to grab a waxed amaryllis bulb for yourself.
How to Care for a Waxed Amaryllis Bulb
Caring for a waxed amaryllis bulb is incredibly simple, which is part of its charm. Here are the basics:
- No watering needed: The wax seals in moisture, so you don’t need to water it at all. Don’t disturb the wax.
- Place in bright, indirect light: A sunny windowsill is ideal to help it grow tall and strong.
- Rotate occasionally: Turn the bulb every few days so it grows straight and evenly toward the light.
- Support tall stems: As the blooms develop, they can get top-heavy—use a small stake if needed.
- Keep at room temperature: Ideally between 60–70°F (15–21°C) for the longest-lasting blooms.
- Avoid extreme heat or drafts: Too much heat or cold can stress the plant and shorten its blooming period.
What to Do After Your Waxed Amaryllis Has Finished Blooming
Once your waxed amaryllis has put on its beautiful show, here’s how to wrap things up:
- Enjoy the last bloom fully: Let the final flower fade naturally before taking action.
- No need to water or fertilize: Waxed bulbs aren’t meant to be rehydrated or revived like potted ones.
- Expect it to slow down: After blooming, the bulb will start to wind down and stop producing new growth.
- Display it a bit longer (if you’d like): Some people keep the bulb for its decorative value even after blooming.
- Dispose of it responsibly: Since waxed bulbs are typically one-season wonders, it’s okay to compost or discard them once they’re done.
- Optional: Experiment with saving it: If you’re curious, you can try removing the wax and planting the bulb in soil, though results can vary. Carrie had given me my first waxed amaryllis bulb a couple of years ago during the holidays, and after it stopped blooming, I carefully removed the wax and planted it in a flower pot. I was hopeful it would bloom again—especially when fresh green shoots appeared—but sadly, it never did and eventually died. I suspect I may have overwatered it, or maybe it just wasn’t meant to be anything more than a one-season wonder. Either way, it was worth the try.
From Bulb to Bloom: A Joyful Surprise
All in all, this little waxed amaryllis has brought so much unexpected joy into our home. Watching it grow and bloom has been a bright spot in the day—something simple and beautiful to look forward to, especially during the quieter, colder weeks. We’ve truly enjoyed having it around, and each new bloom feels like a small celebration. It’s amazing how much happiness a single bulb can bring.
