How to Care for a Waxed Amaryllis

Step by step

1. Take the bulb out of the box and stand it upright on a flat surface, or on its metal stand if one came with it.
2. Put it somewhere with bright, indirect light and a steady room temperature, away from heat vents, radiators and cold drafts.
3. Do not water it, do not pot it, and do not peel the wax.
4. Give the bulb a quarter turn every few days so the stalk grows straight up instead of leaning toward the window.
5. Expect the first stalk in 4–6 weeks, with one or two stalks in total and up to four flowers on each.
6. If a heavy stalk starts to lean, set a thin bamboo stake alongside the bulb and tie the stalk to it with a loose loop of twine.
7. Move it out of direct sun once the buds open. Cooler, softer light makes the flowers last about three weeks.