How to Care for a Clivia Plant

Clivias are one of the most rewarding shade plants for Australian gardens. Originating from South Africa’s forest floors, they thrive in low-light conditions where many flowering plants fail. Their glossy strap-shaped leaves form lush clumps, and in late winter to spring they erupt with striking trumpet-shaped blooms in orange, red, yellow, or cream. Clivias are also extremely long-lived, often thriving for decades and producing offsets that can be divided. With the right care — balanced watering, fertile yet free-draining soil, seasonal feeding, and proper winter rest — clivias will reward you with reliable flowers year after year.

At a Glance: Clivia Care

Light: Bright, indirect light or dappled shade; protect from harsh midday sun.
Soil: Well-drained, humus-rich, slightly acidic (pH 6.0–6.5).
Water: Evenly moist in spring–summer; reduce in winter to trigger flowering.
Fertiliser: Balanced NPK 20-20-20 every 4–6 weeks during the growing season.
Temperature: Best between 10–28°C; protect from frost and extreme heat.
Pruning: Remove spent flower stalks and dead leaves at the base.
Longevity: Clumps can live and flower for decades with good care.

Quick Tip: A 6–8 week cool, dry rest in winter is the secret to abundant blooms the following spring.

Light and Position

Clivias thrive in spots that mimic their natural forest habitat. Outdoors, this means planting beneath trees or in shaded garden beds where they receive morning light and protection from scorching midday sun. Indoors, place clivias in a bright room but away from direct sunlight through glass, which can scorch leaves. They make excellent corridor or shaded patio plants where many others won’t flower.

Without enough light, clivias may produce lush leaves but fail to flower. Conversely, too much sun can bleach or burn their foliage. The sweet spot is dappled shade or filtered light, such as under deciduous trees where winter sun still reaches the plant before the canopy fills.

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Soil Preparation and Watering

Good soil is the foundation of healthy clivias. They prefer a well-draining, fertile medium with plenty of organic matter. Heavy clay soils should be improved with coarse sand and compost, while very sandy soils benefit from added humus to retain moisture. Clivias are sensitive to waterlogging, which can rot their fleshy roots, so raised beds or pots with drainage holes are ideal. Aim for a slightly acidic pH of 6.0–6.5.

Watering should reflect their natural rhythm. In the active growing season (spring to late summer), water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist. Deep watering once or twice a week is usually sufficient in the ground, while potted clivias may need water every 4–5 days depending on weather. In winter, reduce watering dramatically — only enough to prevent the soil from becoming bone dry. This “dry rest” period mimics their natural cycle and triggers the initiation of flower spikes for spring.

Fertilising Clivias

Nutrition plays a crucial role in whether clivias bloom reliably. These plants store energy in their thick roots and leaves, and that reserve fuels the next flowering season. A fertiliser that supplies balanced nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is essential. Too much nitrogen alone results in vigorous leaves but no flowers. Potassium is particularly important for flower spike initiation and colour intensity.

The best choice is CompleteGrow All Purpose Liquid NPK 20-20-20. Applied at 4 ml per litre every 4–6 weeks in spring and summer, it delivers everything clivias need — nitrogen for lush leaves, phosphorus for root strength, and potassium for abundant blooms. For clivias in pots, more regular feeding is recommended because nutrients leach quickly through container soil. Stop feeding in winter, then resume in early spring as new growth emerges.

Unlike succulents or desert cacti, clivias are forest perennials. This means they need a richer fertiliser program than a low-nitrogen cactus formula. Cactus mixes can stunt their growth, while a balanced 20-20-20 feed ensures healthy leaves and consistent flowering.

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Seasonal Care Guide

Spring: Resume feeding and watering as temperatures rise. Flower stalks emerge — remove them once faded to channel energy into roots.
Summer: Active growth continues. Keep soil moist, mulch roots, and feed monthly with CompleteGrow 20-20-20. Protect from scorching afternoon sun.
Autumn: Growth slows. Give one final potassium-rich feed to strengthen the root reserves for next year’s flowers, then reduce watering gradually.
Winter: Rest period. Place clivias in a cooler position (10–15°C), water sparingly, and avoid fertiliser. This dormancy triggers flowering for the next season.

Common Problems and Solutions

No flowers: Usually from insufficient winter rest, excess nitrogen, or poor light. Ensure 6–8 weeks of reduced watering in winter and resume feeding with a balanced fertiliser.
Yellow leaves: Often caused by overwatering, nutrient deficiency, or alkaline soil. Improve drainage, check feeding schedule, and test soil pH.
Brown tips: Linked to inconsistent watering or salt build-up in pots. Flush soil occasionally and maintain even moisture.
Crown rot: Caused by watering directly into the leaf base. Always water the soil around the roots, not the centre of the clump.

Best Fertiliser Recommendation

The most effective fertiliser for clivias is CompleteGrow All Purpose Liquid Fertiliser NPK 20-20-20. This formula provides the exact nutrient balance clivias require for vigorous growth and vibrant flowers. Apply at 4 ml per litre every 4–6 weeks through spring and summer, and pause during winter dormancy. This cycle ensures clivias build the reserves they need for spectacular flowering each year.

FAQs

How long do clivias live? With proper care, clivia clumps can thrive for over 50 years, often being passed down through generations.
Can clivias grow indoors? Yes, they adapt well indoors in bright, indirect light. Ensure they still experience a cool, dry winter rest to flower reliably.
When should clivias be divided? Divide clumps after flowering, ideally in late spring to summer, when offsets have several leaves of their own.
Do clivias tolerate frost? Light frosts may damage leaves, so cover plants or move pots to shelter if temperatures drop below 5°C.
What is the best potting mix? Use a free-draining premium mix with added compost. Avoid waterlogged soils, which lead to root rot.