Clivia nobilis
Clivia nobilis · Amaryllidaceae
📷 Rotational · Public domain
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around clivia nobilis and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Common name
- Clivia Lily, Kaffir Lily
- Foliage
- Evergreen, dark green and linear
- Flowering
- Winter to spring (December to April)
- Flowers
- Umbels of orange to yellow flowers
- Adult size
- 60 to 100 cm in height
- Growth
- Slow to moderate
- Hardiness
- Frost-tender, grow indoors or in a greenhouse (min. 5-10°C)
- Origin
- South Africa, tropical and subtropical regions
Care
Watering
Water regularly during the growing season (spring-summer), letting the substrate dry out slightly between waterings. In winter, reduce watering considerably, as the plant enters dormancy. Avoid standing water that could promote root rot.
Light
Place your Clivia in a bright location, ideally near a window with indirect light. It tolerates partial shade but flowers better with plenty of brightness. Protect it from direct harsh sunlight in summer, which could scorch the foliage.
Soil and substrate
Use well-draining, organic-rich substrate: a mix of potting soil, coconut fiber and fine bark works perfectly. Clivia prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil. Good drainage is essential to prevent rotting.
Fertilizing
Feed during the growing period (March to September) with diluted fertilizer every 15 days, preferably rich in potassium to encourage flowering. Stop all fertilizing in autumn-winter to respect the plant's dormancy.
Pruning and cleaning
Remove dried or damaged leaves at the base. After flowering, cut back faded flower stems, unless you wish to leave them to form decorative red fruits. No heavy pruning is necessary.
Diseases and pests
Watch for mealybugs and spider mites, especially in dry indoor conditions. Root and collar rot occur with excessive moisture: improve drainage accordingly. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Did you know?
Clivia nobilis is often compared to its cousin Clivia miniata, but stands out with its pendant orange flowers and greater robustness. The Zulus of South Africa traditionally called it 'Bush lily' and used it as an ornamental plant in their gardens. In the West, it has become a prestigious houseplant among collectors, prized for its elegant form and spectacular winter flowering that brings light during the dark months.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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- Sand leekAllium scorodoprasum
- Elephant garlicAllium ampeloprasum
- OnionAllium cepa
- Belladonna lilyAmaryllis belladonna
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.