🌱 Clivia miniata – Care Guide
Quick ID
Type: Evergreen, bulbous perennial
Size: 40–60 cm tall; spreads slowly into clumps
Highlight: Strap-like leaves with bright orange, red, or yellow trumpet flowers in winter to early spring
🌡 Temperature & Humidity
Temperature: Thrives in 10–28 °C.
Can handle light frost if roots are protected, but prefers frost-free conditions.
Normal household or garden humidity is fine.
💡 Light
Prefers bright, indirect light.
In gardens: plant under trees, in dappled shade, or east-facing beds.
Indoors: a bright room but avoid direct hot sun on the leaves.
💧 Watering
Growing season (spring–summer): Water well when soil surface dries.
Rest period (late autumn–winter): Water sparingly; just enough to keep roots from shriveling.
Overwatering in winter = root rot.
🌱 Soil & Potting
Needs a well-draining but rich mix:
50% high-quality potting soil
30% compost
20% coarse sand or perlite for drainage
In garden beds, amend soil with compost and ensure good drainage.
🍽 Feeding
During active growth, feed every 4–6 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer or slow-release pellets.
Switch to a high-potassium fertilizer in late summer to promote winter flowering.
🌸 Flowering
Flowering season: late winter to early spring.
For reliable blooms:
Provide a cool, dry rest in winter (8–12 weeks).
Avoid repotting too frequently — clivias bloom best when pot-bound.
✂ Maintenance
Remove spent flowers to prevent seed formation (unless collecting seeds).
Trim dead leaves at the base to keep the clump tidy.
Divide clumps only when overcrowded, ideally after flowering.
⚠ Common Problems
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Yellowing leaves | Too much sun or nutrient deficiency | Move to dappled shade and feed |
| No flowers | No winter rest or too much nitrogen | Reduce water in winter; switch to high-K feed |
| Root rot | Overwatering or poor drainage | Repot with airy mix; trim rotted roots |
| Mealybugs or scale | Common pests in sheltered spots | Wipe with alcohol or treat with systemic insecticide |
Propagation
Offsets: The easiest and fastest way — divide offsets when they have at least 4–5 leaves.
Seeds: Viable but slow — may take 3–5 years to flower.