How To Grow And Care For Vibrant Colorful Clivias
I first discovered the Clivias plant when I moved to Southern California. I was drawn to their pretty brightly colored orange flowers that bloom in the early spring. With the drought, these flowers have been suffering but this year with additional rain and our cooler winter, they are extraordinarily beautiful. Clivias have long, dark green arching foliage growing out of a large plant bulb. The flowers of the plant are 2 to 3 inches and are available in orange, orange/red, yellow or cream color. The flowers are trumpeted-shape and appear in clusters. With proper care, these plants last for many years. Rumor has it the older the plant gets the more beautiful it becomes.
Clivia plants are named after a Duchess in the Clive family and are native to South Africa. They are related to the Amaryllis plant and are also known as Bush Lily or Kaffir Lily. The plant is a houseplant that needs indirect, bright sunlight but no direct sun. Direct sun will burn the leaves and destroy the flower. In the summer, bring the plant outdoors but keep it out of direct sunlight. There are some areas of the country like Southern California, where the plant can be grown outdoors. In some locations, they can be grown on sides of a building or in forests.
You can grow Clivias from seeds but most of them are sold as bare roots. Clivias like to be grown in a deep pot (6 inches will work). You can repot them when the root ball fills the pot, and then just go to the next larger size. Since Clivias bulbs can grow large you might want to consider a ceramic or heavy clay pot so the plant does not tip over.
It is important to give the plant a rest during the fall and winter in a cool area out of the sunlight in order for the plant to flower again. During the day the temperature should be around 50-55 degrees. After the plant rests, move it back to a warmer bright area and fertilize the plant. Make sure the fertilizer is high in potassium to assist in the flowering of the plant. Never fertilize when the plant is at rest. After the plant has finished blooming in the summer you can fertilize the plant every month with balanced indoor plant food.
Use a potting soil that allows for good water infiltration and drainage. Water the plant well, and make sure you let the top part of the soil to dry out before watering again. The plant prefers to be dry. If you see light green or orange lesions you are overwatering your plant. It is also susceptible to root rot.
Clivias need little or no pruning. When you see dying flowers, cut them off at the base of their stalk as soon as they appear. These plants are considered poisonous and should be kept away from pets and children.
Let us know if you grow Clivias and have any tips!
