How to Grow and Care for Clivia

Clivia, which is what we call the kaffir lily (Clivia miniata), is an ornamental flowering plant very well suited to growing indoors. So, what are the methods for growing Clivia?

1. How to Grow Clivia

1. Soil: Clivia originates from the forests of South Africa, where its roots spend long periods on the leaf litter layer. Therefore, when growing it day to day, we should also prepare a loose, fertile soil rich in humus, with an acidic pH. We can make it from leaf mould, stove ash and clean sand, and simply keep the soil moisture at around 40%.

2. Temperature: The suitable growing temperature for Clivia is 20°C; above 30°C or below 10°C will inhibit its growth. Winter weather is cold, so the room temperature is best kept above 5°C, and must never fall below 0°C, otherwise the plant is prone to frost damage or death.

3. Water: For routine watering, water thoroughly, but do not water too frequently; just keep the soil surface moist. In summer, increase the amount of water given.

4. Fertiliser: When Clivia is growing rapidly, you can apply a suitable top dressing of dilute nitrogen fertiliser.

5. Light: Clivia must not be placed in direct sunlight, but it also cannot be kept in a dark place for long periods. We can place it in a bright spot indoors to receive indirect light.

2. Notes on Growing Clivia

1. Point the leaf tips of the Clivia towards the light source in the room. If you repot it and need to adjust the direction, simply turn it 180°; this lets its leaves grow more evenly.

2. Clivia needs a certain temperature difference during its flowering period. If the temperature during flowering is too low or too high, or the variation is too small, it easily develops the "stuck arrow" problem, where the flower only emerges at the base and cannot push out. Increasing the temperature difference can reduce the occurrence of stuck arrows.

Growing flowering plants is fairly simple; the main thing is to keep each of their growing factors well controlled. Friends who are interested can also grow a beautiful Clivia at home.