How to Grow Clivia
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Clivia
Clivia miniata
flowerClivia, 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.
When should you plant Clivia in your zone?
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Example Clivia timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Clivia
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Clivia blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Clivia dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 10b-11; can be grown indoors year-round in cooler climates
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Get my Clivia timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling/Young Plant
12-24 monthsProduces 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 yearsPlant 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 floweringPlant 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 weeksProduces 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 monthsFlowers 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:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Remove with alcohol-soaked cotton swabs. Isolate affected plant.
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Increase humidity with regular misting. Spray foliage with water to dislodge mites. Use miticide if severe.
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Scrape off with fingernail or soft brush. Apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. Treat every 7-10 days as needed.
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Remove affected foliage. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Improve air circulation.
Uses
Berries as food source
CulinaryIn 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]
Traditional medicine
MedicinalIn 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]
Indoor air purification
HouseholdLike many houseplants, Clivia contributes to indoor air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen, improving the home environment. [source]
Cut flower arrangements
CraftThe striking orange flower umbels are highly prized in floral design and last several weeks in water, making them excellent for elegant fresh arrangements. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeClivia 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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