The Clivia plant comes from the family Amaryllidaceae and subfamily Amaryllidoideae, and originates in the low-altitude woodlands in South Africa. Clivia is pronounced as [KLY-vee-uh] or [KLIV-ee-uh].
It’s an herbaceous or evergreen perennial plant that has green strap-like leaves with swollen bulb-like bases and individual bell-shaped flowers that occur in umbels.
Many cultivars exist, and some have variegated leaf patterns. It’s usually grown as a flowering houseplant.
Clivia plant is commonly referred to as:
- Natal lily
- Bush lily
- Forest lily
- Thong lily
There are six different varieties; Clivia caulescens, Clivia gardenia, Clivia miniate, Clivia mirabilis, Clivia nobilis, and Clivia robusta. If you’re growing clivia, follow the following tips to keep it in excellent condition.
Clivia Plant Care Tips
How Big Does A Clivia Plant Grow?
Clivias are large and heavy plants that can grow to be 2’ to 3’ feet long and wide. They have long, arching, swordlike leaves.
Clivia plants don’t form bulbs, but the leaves are evergreen and spring from thick roots or rhizomes. These plants thrive in USDA Hardiness zones 9 and 10.
Does Clivia Produce Flowers?
Clivia grows individual flowers that have three sepals and three petals, which are collectively called tepals. The tepals are fused at the base to form a tube, and the flowers can be the shape of an open cup or a narrow hanging tube.
The flowers come in shades of yellow, orange, and red. They have a sweet smell that is close to the smell of Easter lily.
The flowers cluster together to form conspicuous flower heads. Some species grow flowers towards the ends of 20” inch stems, while others grow flowers towards the center of the plant.
Clivia blooms only when it’s rootbound, and it takes a few years before it grows flowers. This is why it’s best to buy a mature clivia because it takes the plant between two and five years before it starts blooming.
These plants grow berries. When they are ripe, they contain large fleshy seeds, which are often half an inch in diameter. These berries are poisonous because they contain alkaloid lycorine.
What Are The Perfect Light And Temperature Conditions For Clivia?
Clivia can grow indoors and outdoors, and in both cases, they appreciate the shade and not being exposed to direct sunlight.
Outdoors, clivia needs to be kept in the shade, and indoors, clivia needs bright yet indirect light. They thrive in a temperature that isn’t higher than 70° degrees Fahrenheit during the day and not lower than 50° degrees Fahrenheit at night.
Outdoor plants should be brought indoors when the temperature drops. After a dry rest period in fall, clivia will start blooming in later winter. Without a rest period, the plant will grow foliage without flowers.
Tips For Watering And Feeding Clivia Plants
Watering clivia once a week is enough as the soil needs to be kept a little moist. It doesn’t need much humidity, and too much watering can cause root rot. It’s best to let the soil become dry to touch between watering.
For feeding, fertilizing clivia once a month with a half-strength dilute solution of 20-20-20 fertilizer will be enough.
What Type Of Soil Works For Clivia?
Clivia needs to grow in nutrient-rich and well-draining soil. A soilless mix can be used in pots or mixed with soil. Adding peat moss to the bottom of the pot will help the soil to drain better and prevent root rot.
Slightly acidic soil is suitable for growing clivia, and adding a balanced fertilizer from February through September will help the plants grow.
Does Clivia Need A Lot Of Maintenance And Grooming?
Caring for clivia is easy, as the plant can handle some neglect. The soil should be kept moist, and fertilizer should be applied once a month.
Clivias don’t appreciate root disturbances, and repotting should be done every three to five years in the spring after the flowers have faded. After that, it’s best to leave the plant to rest for six weeks during winter to prepare the plant for next year’s bloom.
Clivias don’t need much pruning. However, if pruning is needed, it should be after the flowering season is over. Then, all the dead, yellow, and brown leaves should be removed.
How To Propagate Clivia Plants
Clivia plants are rather difficult to propagate because they’re slow-growing. In addition, clivia plants can’t be tissue cultured and can only be propagated from seeds or by division.
From seeds, clivia plants can take between 3 to 5 years to bloom and about ten years to reach their full size.
When the seeds change from green to red or orange, they can be used to propagate clivia plants. For dividing the plants, it’s best to wait till late spring or early summer.
What Pests Or Diseases Affect Clivia Plants?
Clivia plants aren’t subject to lots of pests but can be infected with mealybugs, slugs, snails, red spider mites, lily borer, and aphids. Insecticidal soap will solve the problem if your clivia plant is infested with these pests.
If your plant isn’t flowering, it could be caused by over-potting the plant too soon or by placing it in a container that is too large. It can also be due to under-watering the plant or keeping it at inadequate temperature.
What Are The Best Uses For Clivia Plants?
Clivia plants are grown outdoors and indoors for their attractive flowers. Some species like Clivia miniate also have medicinal uses.
Clivias are toxic to humans and pets, so they should be handled with care. Large amounts of the flowers or the berries should be ingested to show signs of toxicity, but it’s best to avoid eating them.