Flower bulbs like hyacinths and amaryllis in wax are currently THE trend of all. The great thing is that you can easily replicate it at home. Find out how here.
Flower bulbs belong in the ground? Not necessarily, because the onion has stored water and nutrients as a hibernating organ. You can use this and dip the bulb in wax to get it to bloom without a substrate. Pretty decoration ideas can be derived from this and the wax can be chosen to match the prevailing room colors or simply in your personal favorite color. But how exactly can flower bulbs be cultivated without soil and water? We'll tell you all about it in this post.
Why wax instead of earth?
The trade usually offers flower bulbs in pretty plant pots. These can then be set up in the room as well as on the balcony and terrace. But it's not done with that. The onions need to be watered regularly. If you want to save yourself that and want to make the flower bulbs particularly versatile, you can save yourself the effort and follow a new trend: flower bulbs in wax.
You may have noticed wax flower bulbs in stores from time to time. During the Advent season, for example, glistening amaryllis bulbs in particular are a source of admiration. And in spring hyacinths in wax. But why do you do that? Quite simply because the advantages of waxed flower bulbs are obvious:
- no watering necessary
- various decoration options
- space-saving installation
- can be placed in glasses or bowls
- Your own color and design wishes can be implemented
- no maintenance required
- no potting soil needed
The best thing about this pretty and unusual design idea: Flower bulbs in wax are easy to make yourself. This appealing, creative project can be realized in no time with just a few simple steps and without expensive equipment.
Which flower bulbs can be used?
Thick bulbs are best. This has twoReasons: Larger bulbs are more visually appealing and can hold more moisture and nutrients. Growing can also be attempted with smaller bulbs. However, it remains questionable whether the plants will flower.
Two classics have prevailed in the "wax flower bulbs" segment. In the Advent and Christmas season, the bright red waxed amaryllis or what appears to be sprouting from a glittering snowball inspires enthusiasm. Spring, on the other hand, can be heralded with hyacinths in the wax ball. This is something different than always letting hyacinths sprout in the glass. Both bulbs are large enough to flower without substrate and regular watering.
Tip:
With hyacinth flower bulbs in combination with, for example, decorative bird eggs, small figures, feathers and moss, you can make beautiful Easter arrangements yourself in no time at all.
Which wax is suitable?
The plants themselves have no claims in this regard. The decision can therefore only follow personal taste and the decorative aspect. However, growing flower bulbs is generally a good way to put old leftover candles to good use. You can also mix different candle residues together. This creates new color nuances again and again.
Tip:
If you only have white candles at home, you can mix in food coloring or add a few pieces of wax crayons to get the color you want score.
It doesn't matter whether it's a cheap household candle, leftovers from last Christmas or high-quality decorative candles. Anything can be used. This makes growing flower bulbs a sustainable hobby, because leftover candles no longer have to be disposed of. Depending on the type of flower bulb, popular color combinations include these:
| Flower Bulb Type | popular color combinations |
|---|---|
| Amaryllis | Red Green Brown White Silver Glitter |
| Hyacinth | delicate pastel colors color identical to the flower color yellow pink light blue mint green white |
Tip:
If you don't value colored wax, but would rather have the flower bulbs glitter, you can use coarse or sprinkle with fine glitter. But you can also use the waxed flower bulbslabel - for example with metallic pens. Let off some creative steam.
Growing flower bulbs - step by step instructions
❍ Step 1:
Anyone who bought the bulb in the plant pot must first prepare it for treatment with wax. Repot the flower bulbs and remove the substrate completely.
❍ Step 2:
To prepare the bulb for flowering and at the same time to remove the last remains of soil, it is advisable to place the bulb in water for a while, preferably overnight. The onion should be completely covered with the water. Only the sprouting point and the existing green remain free.
❍ Step 3:
The next morning, take the bulb out of the water again. Then it should be able to dry well.
❍ Step 4:
Once the bulb has dried well on the outside, you can melt the wax in a water bath. This requires a sure instinct, because you have to find the right temperature. If the wax is boiling hot, it damages the sensitive onions. If the temperature is not high enough, the wax will not melt and will not bond to the bulb as it should.
❍ Step 5:
Once the wax has completely dissolved, you should let it cool down a bit so as not to damage the bulb. But you shouldn't wait too long, because once the wax begins to harden again, it will no longer bond to the flower bulb.
The onion is now completely immersed in the liquid wax. Of course, only the place where the bud shoots has to remain free. After dipping, the wax should dry well.
❍ Step 6:
The process can then be repeated until a complete layer of wax has formed and you are satisfied with the result of your work.
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What happens to the wax ball after flowering?
Once a flower bulb has been waxed, it's practically in a corset. The roots are prevented from spreading, preventing the bulb from developing. However, waxed onions should not be thrown away too quickly. You can try to remove the wax layer again. With a bit of luck you will find some intact roots underneath. If this is the case, you can put the flower bulb back into the ground. It isthen it cannot be ruled out that amaryllis or hyacinth will take root again and flower again.
Tip:
You should not wait too long to remove the wax layer. When the leaves sprout, the need for liquid increases.