How to Grow Clivia

Clivia

Clivia miniata

flower

Clivia, commonly known as Kaffir lily or bush lily, is a striking tropical houseplant featuring glossy, strap-like dark green foliage and vibrant orange or yellow flower clusters. This slow-growing evergreen is prized for its dramatic blooms and low-maintenance nature, making it an excellent choice for indoor gardeners.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Bright, indirect light; prefers morning sun and afternoon shade. Avoid direct harsh afternoon sun indoors; ideally 6-8 hours of bright light daily

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Water: Keep soil consistently moist during growing season (spring/summer), but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in winter. Allow top inch of soil to dry between waterings. Overwatering is the primary cause of root rot.

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Spacing: 12-18 inches

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Days to maturity: 3-4 years to first flowering from seed; 1-2 years from mature plants

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Planting depth: Plant offsets at same depth as mother plant; seeds 1/2 inch deep

Soil

Type: Well-draining potting mix with organic matter

pH: 6.0-6.5

Amendments:

Peat moss or coconut coir Perlite or orchid bark Compost

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 10b-11; can be grown indoors year-round in cooler climates

10b 11a 11b

Growth Stages

Seedling/Young Plant

12-24 months

Produces first true leaves; small, narrow foliage emerges. Very slow growth during first 2 years.

Keep soil slightly moist. Provide bright indirect light. Use well-draining mix to prevent damping off. Be patient—growth is naturally slow.

Vegetative Growth

1-3 years

Plant develops characteristic strap-like green leaves in arching rosettes. No flowers appear yet.

Water regularly during growing season. Feed monthly with balanced fertilizer. Ensure good air circulation. Repot every 2-3 years only when root-bound.

Pre-flowering

8-10 weeks before flowering

Plant reaches maturity (typically 3+ years old). Flower buds begin forming at the base of leaf clusters.

Provide cool winter rest (50-55°F for 6-8 weeks) to trigger flowering. Reduce watering slightly during winter dormancy. Maintain bright light.

Flowering

4-6 weeks

Produces tall inflorescence with 10-20 bright orange or yellow tubular flowers arranged in a dense umbel cluster. Blooms are stunning and fragrant.

Do not move plant during blooming. Keep soil consistently moist. Provide bright light. Avoid fertilizing during bloom to extend flower duration.

Post-flowering/Seed Development

8-12 months

Flowers fade; fleshy orange berries develop if plant is pollinated. Foliage remains ornamental.

Allow berries to ripen on plant for 8-10 months. Seeds inside berries can be extracted and sown. Resume regular watering and feeding.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Aspidistra Philodendron Anthurium Schefflera Dracaena

Avoid planting near:

Plants requiring frequent watering Moisture-loving ferns Succulents (conflicting water needs)

Common Pests

Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Remove with alcohol-soaked cotton swabs. Isolate affected plant.
Increase humidity with regular misting. Spray foliage with water to dislodge mites. Use miticide if severe.
Scrape off with fingernail or soft brush. Apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. Treat every 7-10 days as needed.
Remove affected foliage. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Improve air circulation.

Uses

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Berries as food source

Culinary

In native South African regions, Clivia berries are occasionally consumed fresh or used in traditional preparations, though they are not widely cultivated for culinary purposes. [source]

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Traditional medicine

Medicinal

In South African traditional medicine, Clivia roots and leaves have been used to treat various ailments including fever, inflammation, and digestive issues, though clinical evidence is limited. [source]

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Indoor air purification

Household

Like many houseplants, Clivia contributes to indoor air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen, improving the home environment. [source]

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Cut flower arrangements

Craft

The striking orange flower umbels are highly prized in floral design and last several weeks in water, making them excellent for elegant fresh arrangements. [source]

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Pollinator attraction

Wildlife

Clivia flowers attract hummingbirds, sunbirds, and other pollinators in outdoor tropical settings, making them valuable for supporting local wildlife populations. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Clivia is grown for ornamental flowers and foliage rather than harvest. Cut flower clusters for arrangements after blooming fully opens (they last 2-3 weeks in water). Collect ripe berries (8-10 months after flowering) for seed propagation by carefully removing the fleshy pulp and extracting seeds.

Fun Facts

🌱 Clivia is named after Charlotte, Duchess of Northumberland, a 19th-century patron of horticulture—the plant was a favorite in Victorian greenhouse collections.
🌱 A mature Clivia can live for decades with minimal care, with some specimens thriving for 50+ years in the same container, making them heirloom houseplants.
🌱 Clivia requires a cool winter dormancy period (50-55°F) to flower reliably; without this temperature drop, the plant may grow foliage but refuse to bloom.

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