How to Feed Clivia Plants

Feeding clivias correctly is the secret to lush foliage and spectacular spring flowers. These long-lived plants store nutrients in their fleshy roots and leaves, which means what you feed them today directly fuels next year’s blooms. A balanced, complete fertiliser like CompleteGrow All Purpose Liquid NPK 20-20-20 is ideal, because it delivers equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. This balance keeps leaves green, roots strong, and flower spikes abundant. Feeding clivias is not complicated, but it does require timing, the right product, and a seasonal rhythm that matches their growth cycle.

At a Glance: Feeding Clivias

Best fertiliser: Balanced NPK like CompleteGrow 20-20-20
Dosage: 4 ml per litre of water, applied to moist soil
Frequency: Every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Winter: Stop feeding during rest period
Potted clivias: Need slightly more frequent feeding than in-ground plants

Quick Tip: Never apply fertiliser to a dry rootball — water first, then feed to avoid burning the roots.

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When and How to Feed Clivias

Clivias follow a distinct seasonal cycle. In spring, they emerge from winter rest and start producing fresh foliage and flower spikes. This is the most important time to feed, because nutrients are required to push flower stems and maintain deep green leaves. Through summer, feeding maintains strong clump growth and builds reserves for the following year.

Spring: Start feeding as soon as new growth appears. Apply CompleteGrow 20-20-20 every 4–6 weeks.
Summer: Continue regular feeding. This is the peak growth period, so balanced nutrition is critical.
Autumn: Give a final feed before cooling weather sets in. This helps clivias store energy before dormancy.
Winter: Stop feeding. Clivias need a rest with reduced water and cooler temperatures to trigger next year’s flowers.

Liquid vs Granular Fertiliser

Liquid fertilisers are the best way to feed clivias because they are absorbed quickly and give immediate results. Granular fertilisers can be too harsh for clivias’ fleshy roots and risk crown burn if placed too close to the plant. A diluted liquid feed like CompleteGrow NPK 20-20-20 is safe, efficient, and allows you to adjust feeding frequency depending on the season or the plant’s condition.

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Tips for Healthy Feeding

Always water first: Feeding on dry soil risks fertiliser burn. Pre-water, then apply diluted feed.
Avoid the crown: Fertiliser sitting in the crown can cause rot. Pour solution around the root zone instead.
Adjust for pots: Potted clivias lose nutrients faster. Feed every 4 weeks during the growing season.
Watch leaf colour: Pale or yellow leaves may indicate a lack of nitrogen; weak flowering suggests low potassium. Balanced feeding solves both.
Flush occasionally: If feeding regularly in pots, flush the mix with plain water every 2–3 months to prevent salt build-up.

Best Fertiliser for Clivias

The most effective option is CompleteGrow All Purpose Liquid Fertiliser NPK 20-20-20. Its balanced 1:1:1 ratio ensures clivias develop vigorous foliage, strong roots, and reliable blooms. Apply at 4 ml per litre every 4–6 weeks in spring and summer, pausing in winter dormancy. With this program, clivias will thrive for decades and produce spectacular flowers year after year.

FAQs

What happens if I overfeed? Excess nitrogen = lots of leaves but no flowers. Stick to the recommended 4 ml per litre rate.
Do clivias need feeding in winter? No. Winter rest is essential to trigger flower spikes. Resume feeding in spring.
Are slow-release pellets safe? They can work if used sparingly, but liquid fertilisers are safer and more precise for clivias.