Amaryllis bulbs are a popular flowering plant that produce large, showy blooms on tall stalks. They make excellent holiday gifts and indoor flowering plants. After the amaryllis has finished blooming, the bulb can be stored to encourage reblooming in subsequent seasons. Proper storage is important to maintain bulb health and vigor. A common question is whether amaryllis bulbs can be stored in paper bags.
Can Amaryllis Bulbs Be Stored in Paper Bags?
Yes, amaryllis bulbs can be stored in paper bags. This provides a simple, accessible storage option. However, paper bags alone do not provide ideal storage conditions for maintaining maximum bulb health and future flowering potential. There are some considerations when using paper bags for amaryllis bulb storage:
- Paper bags allow air circulation. This prevents condensation and moisture buildup which can lead to bulb rot. However, the paper allows the bulb to dry out which can damage the bulb over time.
- Paper offers little insulation. Bulbs prefer cool storage temperatures around 50-60°F. A paper bag does not protect against warmer temperatures that can accelerate desiccation.
- Light can penetrate a paper bag. Bulbs should be stored in complete darkness to promote dormancy and flowering viability.
- Paper does not prevent physical damage from bumps or bruises during storage.
- Insects, rodents or other pests may be able to access bulbs stored in paper.
While paper bags can technically be used for amaryllis bulb storage, other options provide more ideal conditions for maintaining bulb health during dormancy. Short term storage in paper may be fine, but longer storage may have negative impacts.
Ideal Storage Conditions for Amaryllis Bulbs
To keep amaryllis bulbs in top form for future growing seasons, aim for storage conditions that support the bulb’s basic needs:
- Cool Temperatures: Store bulbs at 50-60°F to induce dormancy and slow desiccation.
- High Humidity: Maintain humidity around 60-70% to prevent excess moisture loss from the bulb.
- Good Air Circulation: Allow air movement around bulbs to prevent condensation and rotting.
- Complete Darkness: No light should reach the bulbs to promote proper dormancy.
- Physical Protection: Cushion bulbs to prevent bruising and damage.
- Pest Protection: Guard against insects, rodents and other pests.
Recreating ideal storage conditions protects bulb health and flowering performance when they are replanted in future seasons. Matching all criteria can be challenging for home growers, but getting as close as possible will give the best results.
Recommended Methods for Storing Amaryllis Bulbs
To provide amaryllis bulbs with as close to ideal conditions as possible, the following storage methods are recommended:
Refrigerator
Storing bulbs in a refrigerator set to 45-55°F provides cool, dark, stable conditions. Use a paper bag or perforated plastic bag to prevent excess condensation. Check bulbs periodically for moisture and signs of sprouting. Refrigerator storage works well for a small number of bulbs.
Cool Basement or Cellar
An unheated basement or cellar may provide suitable cool temperatures and darkness for amaryllis bulb storage. Place bulbs in breathable bags and keep them in a closed cabinet or on a shelf to protect from pests. Monitor temperatures and humidity. Supplement with a dehumidifier or humidifier as needed.
Insulated Storage Box
Pack bulbs in breathable paper or perforated plastic bags filled with peat moss or shredded paper. Place in a storage container lined with insulation to maintain cool temperatures. Store in a cool, dark place like a basement or closet. Check frequently for any signs of sprouting or rotting.
Commercial Bulb Storage Box
Invest in a storage box designed specifically for flower bulbs. These have insulation, ventilation and often a way to control humidity. Follow manufacturer instructions for amaryllis bulb storage. These provide ideal conditions but can be more expensive.
Aim to store amaryllis bulbs for 6-8 weeks after flowering to allow the plant to fully enter dormancy before replanting. Discard any bulbs that show signs of rotting or disease to prevent spread. With proper storage, healthy amaryllis bulbs can be saved and reflowered for many years.
Step-by-Step Guide to Storing Amaryllis Bulbs in Paper Bags
If using paper bags for amaryllis bulb storage, follow these tips for best results:
- Allow the amaryllis to finish blooming completely. Leave foliage to die back naturally.
- Once foliage has died back, cut stalks back to about 1-2 inches above the bulb.
- Carefully remove bulb from pot. Shake off old growing medium and remove any roots.
- Use a soft brush to clean any debris from the bulb. Avoid getting the bulb wet.
- Inspect bulb for signs of rot or damage. Discard any unhealthy bulbs.
- Place bulbs in a single layer in plain brown paper lunch bags. Fold over the top neatly.
- Store bags of bulbs in a cool, dark place between 50-60°F.
- Check bulbs every 4-6 weeks. Watch for sprouting or condensation in bag.
- Discard any bulbs that appear diseased or damaged during storage.
- After 6-8 weeks, bulbs can be removed from storage and replanted.
Storing in paper bags works best as a temporary solution for a small number of bulbs. For long term storage or many bulbs, use an alternative method that better maintains the ideal conditions amaryllis bulbs need.
What to Avoid When Storing Amaryllis Bulbs in Paper Bags
To maximize the health of amaryllis bulbs in storage, avoid these common mistakes when using paper bags:
- Don’t store bulbs in plastic bags long term. This increases condensation and rot risk.
- Avoid storing in hot attics, garages or sheds. Exposure to temperatures over 70°F can damage bulbs.
- Don’t crowd too many bulbs in one bag. Overcrowding prevents air circulation.
- Don’t store bulbs in direct sunlight or bright indoor light.
- Avoid storing bulbs near fruits or vegetables that emit ethylene gas.
- Don’t leave bulbs damp or wet – dry thoroughly before bagging.
- Prevent pests by sealing holes in paper bags with tape if needed.
- Avoid excess handling and bumping of bags to prevent bruising bulbs.
Be diligent in checking stored amaryllis bulbs every 4-6 weeks. Catching any potential problems early allows you to remediate conditions or discard affected bulbs if needed.
Signs of Healthy vs. Unhealthy Bulbs in Storage
When checking amaryllis bulbs in storage, look for the following signs to determine if bulbs are staying healthy:
Healthy Bulb Signs
- Firm, heavy bulb with no soft spots
- Dry papery tunic and plate
- Visible dormant buds embedded in plate
- No fungal mold, rotting or strange odors
Unhealthy Bulb Signs
- Shriveling, lightweight, soft bulb
- Excess moisture in bag or on bulb
- Green sprouts or leaves emerging
- White fungal mold on plate or tunic
- Brown, mushy spots or holes in bulb
- Foul odor coming from bulb
Discard any bulbs showing unhealthy signs and keep a close eye on others stored in the same bag. Adjust storage conditions if needed to prevent further decline.
What to Do if Bulbs Start Sprouting in Storage
If amaryllis bulbs begin sprouting leaves or a flower stalk while in storage, they are coming out of dormancy too soon. This is often caused by inadequate cool temperatures or light exposure. Here’s what to do:
- Immediately move bag to a darker, cooler location.
- Gently twist off any sprouts or growth starting to emerge.
- If bulb is actively growing, you may need to pot it up.
- Repot sprouted bulbs in fresh potting mix leaving sprout/stalk exposed.
- Keep potted bulb in a cool room out of direct light until ready to bring into growth.
- Once sprouted, bulbs can’t go back into true dormancy until the next season.
Catching sprouting early allows you to remediate conditions and salvage the bulb for further growth and flowering. Just be aware sprouted bulbs may not flower well if forced out of season.
How to Bring Stored Amaryllis Bulbs Back into Growth
After a minimum 6-8 weeks of storage, amaryllis bulbs can be brought out and planted to start growing and flowering again. Follow these steps:
- Select a bulb pot 2-4 inches wider than the bulb diameter.
- Use a well-draining potting mix enriched with compost or bulb food.
- Plant bulb so 1/3 is above the soil line and 2/3 is buried.
- Water thoroughly after planting, allowing excess to drain out.
- Place pot in a sunny window and keep soil lightly moist.
- Leaves and flower stalk will emerge within weeks at normal room temps.
- Rotate pot regularly to promote even, upright growth.
- Enjoy amaryllis blooms! To rebloom, repeat storage process after flowering.
With proper yearly storage, healthy amaryllis bulbs can provide spectacular winter flowers for many seasons. Storing in paper bags is convenient but best practices help maximize future bloom potential.