Clivia: profile, propagation & varieties
With its exotic flowers, clivia is an enchantingly beautiful houseplant but some caution is needed, because clivia is also poisonous.
Clivia (Clivia) was a popular houseplant for a while, but has fallen more and more into oblivion. In this article, we explain why the plant is a real eye-catcher and what you need to bear in mind when caring for it.
Contents
Clivia: Origin and characteristics
Clivia is also often called Natal lily and botanically belongs to the Amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae). The plants originate from the southern regions of Africa and were introduced to us as houseplants around the 19th century. Clivia is evergreen, rhizome-forming and can grow to about half a metre high. The basal leaves are very long and resemble a green strap. Their flowers are hermaphroditic and appear in spring from about February to May, depending on the species. Several hanging or upright individual flowers are formed, which are arranged in umbels and immediately catch the eye with their bright red, orange or yellow shades. After the plant has withered, it develops roundish berries over a longer period of time, which turn reddish when ripe.
The most beautiful varieties
There are about 6 known species of clivia, of which we would like to introduce the 4 best known. The species Clivia miniata and Clivia nobilis are used as ornamental plants in our country.
- Clivia miniata: They are adorned with showy, trumpet-shaped flowers in bright orange. The best-known species among our houseplants usually grows up to 60 cm high.
- Clivia miniata var. citrina: This variety of Clivia miniata is also known as yellow clivia for the simple reason that the flowers are yellow instead of the usual orange.
- Clivia nobilis: This is the first species to be known in Europe. Compared to Clivia miniata it grows more compactly with pendulous flowers that usually remain somewhat closed.
- Clivia gardenii: This species produces downward hanging and banana-shaped flowers in a colour ranging from yellow to orange. Unfortunately, stocks of the plant are continually dwindling in its native South Africa, which is why it is officially classified as an endangered plant.
- Clivia mirabilis: Its long and drooping flowers are borne on purple to crimson flower stalks. Clivia flowers have a colour gradient from orange-red to yellow to green tips.
Keeping clivia as a Houseplant
Clivia loves a bright location, but should be largely protected from direct sunlight. If the place is too dark, there is less chance of the plant flowering. Furthermore, clivia prefers a warm place with about 15 to 20 °C during the growing phase. Once it is in a suitable location, it should ideally not be moved or turned.
Caring for clivia: The most important points to consider
Like any plant, clivia needs the right care. For example, even moisture in the substrate is very important, but waterlogging should be avoided at all costs. This can already be counteracted when planting by installing a drainage layer in the lower part of the pot and using a suitable substrate, such as our Plantura Organic Flower Compost, which has crushed expanded clay as an admixture. This ensures a permeable structure in the soil and sufficient aeration of the roots.
- Perfect for all flowering plants in garden beds & pots
- For beautiful blossoms & healthy plant growth
- Peat-free & organic soil: CO2-saving composition
In any case, the pot should have a drainage hole for excess water, which must always be emptied from the planter. As the clivia can spread vigorously with its rhizomes, the planter will soon become too small. We therefore recommend repotting the Klivie every 2 to 4 years – the best time to do this is in spring. In principle, the new pot should be about a quarter larger than the root ball so that the clivium can spread sufficiently in the soil again. When the plant forms its first flowers, it is wise to give it some fertiliser. For this purpose we recommend a liquid fertiliser such as our Plantura Liquid Houseplant Food, which is simply added to the irrigation water for easy application – especially for potted plants. This way, fertiliser can be applied every 2 to 3 weeks during the growth phase. After flowering and in winter, however, fertilisation should be discontinued and the amount of watering reduced somewhat, as the plant needs a resting phase. In addition, the emerging fruits must be removed with a knife to allow for good flowering next year.
Is clivia hardy?
Clivia is not hardy and can only tolerate temperatures slightly below zero for short periods. Nevertheless, clivia needs a winter rest of 2 to 4 months from October onwards in order to produce flowers in the new year. A bright and cool place with a temperature of about 10 °C is suitable for this, such as a largely unheated but frost-free conservatory, although it can also be overwintered in sunny and somewhat cooler rooms.
Propagation
It is best to propagate clivia directly when repotting. This is because the plant forms what are known as offsets. These are independent daughter plants that form from the mother plant and can be separated from it. They are about 20 to 25 cm tall and can be cut off using a sharp, clean knife. The clivia offsets are then potted up in a suitable pot with fresh substrate and placed in a bright place. Ensure that the soil is always moist and proceed with further care as described above.
Tip: If you want to grow clivia from seed, you will need patience because it can take 5 years or more for the plant to flower for the first time.
Is clivia poisonous?
Clivia contains various alkaloids that are poisonous to both humans and pets such as dogs or cats. Possible symptoms after swallowing plant parts are initially dizziness, nausea or sweating. In worse cases, it can lead to paralysis or even kidney damage. Caution should be taken, especially with small children, so it is best to place the plants out of their reach. In some cases, skin irritation can occur on mere contact with the plant sap or other parts of the plant. It is therefore advisable to wear gloves when handling clivia.
African lily (Agapanthus) has a similar appearance to clivia. More information about this ornamental plant can be found in one of our other articles.
