Clivia cyrtanthiflora
Clivia cyrtanthiflora · Amaryllidaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant clivia cyrtanthiflora: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen, glossy dark green
- Flowering
- Winter to spring (December to April)
- Adult size
- 40 to 60 cm tall
- Growth
- Slow to moderate
- Hardiness
- Frost-tender, minimum 5 to 10 °C
- Origin
- South Africa, East Africa
- Soil type
- Well-draining, rich in organic matter
- Exposure
- Bright light, no direct sun
Care
Watering
Water moderately during the growing season (spring-autumn) keeping the substrate slightly moist. Reduce watering in winter when the plant is dormant, but never let it dry out completely. Be sure to avoid water pooling at the bulb level, which causes rot.
Exposure
Place it in a bright, filtered location away from direct sunlight which can scorch the leaves. An east or west-facing window is ideal. Clivia will tolerate dappled light but will flower better with generous brightness.
Soil and substrate
Use well-draining potting soil enriched with organic matter (specialty flowering plant compost mixed with garden compost). Add sand or perlite if the substrate tends to retain too much water. The bulb must breathe and never remain waterlogged.
Fertiliser
Fertilise during active growth (March to September) every three weeks with diluted balanced fertiliser. Reduce or stop nitrogen application before flowering to encourage flower production. In winter, stop all fertiliser application.
Pruning and cleaning
Remove dead or damaged leaves at the base by gently pulling them off. Cut off faded flower stems once flowering is finished to prevent plant exhaustion. Don't prune healthy foliage, as Clivia is primarily a foliage asset.
Pests and diseases
Watch for mealybugs and spider mites, which are common in dry indoor environments. Mist the foliage regularly to maintain ambient humidity. Bulb rot is the main enemy: it results from excess water or poor substrate aeration.
Did you know?
Clivia cyrtanthiflora fascinates botanists with its flowers whose petals curve inwards, hence its name 'cyrtanthiflora' (curved flower). Discovered in South Africa in the 19th century, it inspired modern breeders to create varieties with spectacular colours, from golden yellow to scarlet red. Indoors, it can live for several decades and become a multigenerational plant in a family.
Where to buy it
Plant the bulbs in autumn for spring flowering. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: from September to November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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- Elephant garlicAllium ampeloprasum
- OnionAllium cepa
- Belladonna lilyAmaryllis belladonna
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.