No Water Flowers: Wax Amaryllis Bulbs

American hybrid bulbs in a modern waxed presentation

Waxed ‘amaryllis’ bulbs are complex Hippeastrum hybrids with American ancestry.

The wax coating is a modern horticultural presentation designed around the bulb’s stored energy. The No Water Flowers format was developed by Vreugdenhil Bulbs & Plants and Greencre8.

Keeping a waxed amaryllis dry through flowering

Keep the waxed bulb dry in bright indirect light and rotate it regularly for a straighter flower stem. Stabilise the base as the display becomes top-heavy.

Temperatures around 18–22 °C support flowering. Cooler bright conditions usually prolong the blooms. Remove faded flowers and cut away the flower stem after blooming.

For an optional recovery attempt, remove the wax and discard a bulb that feels soft or rotten. Pot a firm bulb in a sharply drained mix with its upper half exposed, then water cautiously and keep it in bright light.

Recovery and future rebloom vary because waxed bulbs often have reduced roots and use much of their stored energy during flowering.

Stalled flowering and optional bulb recovery

A waxed bulb can fail to sprout after chilling, damage, rot, immaturity or exhaustion. A leaning flower stem follows the light and can be rotated or supported.

A soft bulb, mould or odour indicates rot. High heat, chilling or an exhausted bulb can cause buds to stop developing. A cracked wax layer is cosmetic when the bulb beneath remains firm.

Keep the intact waxed bulb dry and never puncture the coating.

For an optional recovery attempt, remove the wax and discard a soft or rotten bulb. Pot a firm bulb in a sharply drained mix with its upper half exposed, water cautiously and keep it in bright light. Future rebloom is uncertain.

No Water Flowers: Wax Amaryllis Bulbs are toxic to people and pets

• These bulbs are toxic. Keep every part away from children, cats and dogs.
• Toxic alkaloids are concentrated in the bulb, although other parts can also cause poisoning.
• Swallowing any part may cause drooling, vomiting, stomach pain, weakness or tremors. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional promptly, especially if the bulb was eaten.

Where do the names amaryllis and Hippeastrum come from?

Hippeastrum combines Greek words for “horseman” and “star”. Amaryllis is a classical female name from Greek and Roman pastoral poetry; waxed bulbs sold under that common name belong to Hippeastrum.

William Herbert established the genus Hippeastrum in 1821 in Appendix, page 31.