Clivia lily is a South African plant that produces pretty orange flowers and is becoming more popular with gardeners around the world. It is mostly used as a houseplant, but a clivia lily in the garden can provide beautiful clumps of foliage and flowers in warmer regions.
About Clivia Lilies
Clivia lilies (Clivia miniata) are also called bush lilies and kaffir lilies, although the latter name is not very popular, as it's considered a derogatory and insulting word. Native to South Africa and part of the Amaryllis family, this plant does not tolerate frost. It grows in clumps and is a perennial that reaches heights of about 30 inches (76 cm.) when in flower. Clivia produces long, broad, evergreen leaves and pretty, lily-like flowers that are trumpet-shaped and that cluster together. Orange is the most common flower color in bush lily plants, but as their popularity grows, new cultivars are being developed to give more color options. Indoor care for clivia lily houseplants is easy: just pot and water regularly and you will get spectacular blooms. Be aware that this plant is toxic though.
Growing Clivia Lilies Outdoors
Outdoor clivia lily care may be a little more involved, but it is also limited. This plant is only hardy in zones 9 through 11. Warm coastal climates are ideal for clivia; otherwise, keep this as a houseplant or an addition to a greenhouse. For clivia lily, outdoor requirements include more than just a frost-free garden. You also need to provide it with soil that drains well and a spot that is at least partially shady. Your clivia lily will bloom in the spring, so keep it relatively dry through the fall and winter and start watering more regularly in the late winter and early spring. These flowers should be planted at least one foot (31 cm.) apart and be allowed to grow into large clumps over several years. You can propagate your larger plants by dividing them but only do this in the spring or summer after the flowers are done blooming, never in the winter. When flowers are spent, trim them off to avoid energy being expended on seed production.
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What’s Wrong With My Clivia: Diagnosing Problems With Clivia PlantsCaring for clivia plants is simple; however, there are some clivia plant problems and diseases to look out for. Find out what those are here.
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Clivia Bloom Cycle: Tips On Getting Clivias To RebloomOnce you get it home, clivia blooms may fade, leaving you wondering how to make the plant rebloom. This article can help. Click here to learn about the clivia bloom cycle and tips on forcing clivia to bloom again.
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Clivia Seed Germination: How Do I Germinate Clivia SeedsClivia is a fascinating plant but can get very expensive if bought full grown. Luckily, it can be grown relatively easy from its large seeds. Use the information in this article to learn more about clivia seed germination and growing clivia by seed.
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Clivia Color Change: Reasons Why Clivia Plants Turn ColorClivia plants come in a wide range of colors and some are even variegated. Read on to learn more about clivia flower colors.
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Growing Clivia - Care For Clivia PlantClivia plants have become quite popular with collectors. While most clivias are grown as interesting houseplants, in suitable locations they can be grown as outdoor container plants. Learn more here.
