growing clivias

Clivias are slow growers and it can take up to five years for a seed to grow into a flowering plant. Keep in a warm, protected, ventilated spot out of direct sunlight. Water in spring and summer, ensuring soil is damp but not wet and fertilise every couple of weeks.

Where do clivias grow best?

Clivias are easy to grow, but their position is vital. Early morning sun or dappled shade is best, with protection from midday and afternoon sun. Clivias planted out in the open will become scorched and unsightly on the first hot sunny day. In cold climate areas, clivias will need protection from frost.

How do I get my Clivia to bloom?

It is possible to force clivia to bloom once the initial flowering period is over. Clivia needs a cold period of 25-30 days in order to bloom. You can simulate this natural cold period by placing your clivia in a cool area with daytime temperatures at about 40-60 degrees F. (4-15 C.), but no lower than 35 degrees F.

How do you care for a clivia plant?

During the spring and summer growing seasons, a clivia needs regular watering but should be allowed to become dry to the touch between waterings. An automatic weekly watering will often be too much and can cause rot. Fertilize once a month with a half-strength dilute solution of 20-20-20 fertilizer.

Do clivias grow in sun or shade?

Clivias will grow in shade, but may become 'leggy' if grown in deep shade. They will still flower, but not prolifically. Aim for good light in autumn and spring, but avoid strong sunlight in the summer months. Best grown in fertile, well-drained soil.

Do clivias like lots of water?

In the wild, clivias grow in woodland and forests from the Eastern Cape to Mpumalanga. They are found in thick mats in shallow, well-drained soil on rocks covered with leaf mould, nature's mulch. For this reason, keep clivias moist at all times, but avoid overwatering as clivias do not like waterlogged soil.

Can you grow clivias in full sun?

Clivias originated from South Africa and are a trouble free hardy plant given a shaded area with good drainage and sufficient water during the warmer months of spring and summer. Too much exposure to full sun and dry conditions will bleach their deep green strappy foliage and weaken the health of the plant.

What time of year do clivias flower?

These clump-forming plants grow from stocky rhizomes, and have long, bright green, strap-like leaves. Most bloom in spring, but flowering times do vary, depending on the species Clivia gardenii, for instance, blooms from autumn to spring, bringing welcome colour to the winter garden.

Why do clivias not flower?

This could be due to too much/too little water, or a lack of sufficient feeding. The attractive berries on clivia plants do not need to be removed from the plant. Leaving them intact will not affect the next season's flowers.

How often do clivia plants bloom?

Water well and once new growth with fresh leaves in the plant's center, feed weekly with soluble liquid fertilizer at one-fourth the strength you'll see listed on the label. Your clivia will bloom in March or April but when young, they can hold off blooming until mid-summer.

Is Clivia poisonous to dogs?

Clivia lily poisoning in dogs is caused by the consumption of any part of the clivia lily plant, but the bulbs and berries are the most toxic.

What is the best fertilizer for clivias?

Clivia plants need to be fertilized in the spring just after blooming. Once you begin the fertilization process, you can do so monthly with a water-soluble, potassium-rich fertilizer. The mixture needs to be 20-20-20 at half the recommended strength. It is recommended you discontinue fertilizing over the colder months.

How do you divide and replant clivia?

Clivias can be divided now too. Just lift the clump with a spade and divide. Look out for any young ones growing from the side, chop these off and plant them. Clivias have fleshy roots and so when transplanted they need to be watered just once, and left, because they easily rot.

When can I divide clivias?

Growing clivias

They are tough plants and will grow in all but the coldest areas of Australia, but they must be protected from frost. They are normally divided in spring, after they have finished flowering.

What type of soil do clivias like?

In pots Clivias prefer a well drained, slightly acidic potting mix such as composted pine bark. If grown in the garden they grow in virtually any soil type with varying degree of success, provided that they are not over watered.

Why are the leaves on my clivia turning yellow?

Over-Watering

Clivias develop yellow leaves and root rot if they are over-watered. They grow best when kept barely moist in pots with excellent drainage. Clivias bloom more freely when their roots are crowded, so don't re-pot until the bulb starts to push out of the container.

What do you do with clivias after they bloom?

Cut back clivia to maintain a desired size. Do this after flowering. Cut stems to a healthy set of leaves or the parent branch where they originate. It's best to prune lightly each year rather than prune hard every few years.

How do you propagate clivias?

Press seeds 50% into sand making sure that the eye (small dark round spot on seeds where germination will take place) are facing to the side. Don't plant the seed under the soil surface. Close the lid and place in warm spot for 1 to 3 weeks until the seed has germinated.

How tall do clivias grow?

Clivias do need protection from frost so in some areas they should be grown in pots that can be moved indoors or into a glasshouse during the winter. Potential height/length: About 50 centimetres high and up to 1 metre round. Like most plants Clivia look best when mass planted.

Do clivias grow from bulbs?

Bulbs Direct - Growing Notes. Clivias are a very robust plant and once their minium requirements are met they will thrive on neglect. They will grow well outdoors in a mild frost free environment or a sheltered area.

Do clivias flower more than once?

Clivia can flower at slightly different times each year depending on if we have had a cold winter or a warmish winter. Although most C. miniataflower in September, some are a little slower and may flower in October or November. The amount of light seems to also be a factor.