How to Revive a Clivia Plant

Clivias are tough, long-lived plants, but poor conditions can cause them to wilt, yellow, or stop flowering. The good news is that clivias respond well to correction once their stress trigger is identified. Reviving a struggling clivia means restoring the right balance of soil moisture, light, nutrients, and seasonal rhythm. With a little patience and the right fertiliser, even weak clumps can recover and return to full health.

Recognising a Struggling Clivia

Common signs of decline include yellowing leaves, brown tips, soft roots, or failure to flower. These symptoms often point to problems like overwatering, nutrient deficiency, or crown rot. Identifying the cause early prevents long-term damage and makes recovery much easier.

Key Causes of Decline

Overwatering: The most common issue — soggy soil suffocates roots and invites fungal rot.
Poor light: Deep shade prevents flowering and weakens foliage over time.
Nutrient deficiency: Lack of balanced feeding causes pale leaves and poor root strength.
Crown rot: Water sitting in the leaf base can rot the crown and kill the plant.

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Restoring Soil and Water Balance

If your clivia is in soggy soil, remove it from the pot or bed, trim away rotted roots, and repot into a free-draining, humus-rich mix. For ground-grown plants in clay soil, improve drainage with coarse sand and compost. Watering should be moderate: keep soil evenly moist in spring and summer, but reduce sharply in winter to allow for a rest period. Never let water sit in the crown — always water the soil at the base.

Light and Position Adjustments

Reviving a clivia often means finding a better position. Move it to a spot with bright, indirect light or dappled shade. Indoors, place it near a window with filtered light but away from direct midday sun. If your clivia has been in deep shade for years, shifting it gradually to brighter conditions can stimulate new growth and improve its chance of flowering.

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Feeding to Support Recovery

Once the plant has been stabilised, begin a careful feeding program. The best option is CompleteGrow All Purpose Liquid Fertiliser NPK 20-20-20, applied at 4 ml per litre every 4–6 weeks during the growing season. Its balanced nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content strengthens roots, rebuilds foliage, and supports the energy reserves needed for future blooms. Pause feeding during winter rest, then resume in spring as new growth begins.

Ongoing Care and Prevention

Mulch lightly: A thin layer of bark or leaf litter helps keep roots cool and moist without smothering the crown.
Remove dead growth: Cut away yellowed leaves and old flower stalks at the base to prevent fungal spread.
Divide clumps: If plants are overcrowded, split and replant healthy offsets to restore vigour.
Seasonal rhythm: Respect the natural cycle of growth in summer and dormancy in winter for long-term health.

FAQs

Can a rotting clivia be saved? Yes — cut away all rotted roots, repot into free-draining soil, and reduce watering.
How long does recovery take? Visible improvement may take a full growing season, but steady care restores strength.
Should I cut back all the leaves? Only remove fully yellow or brown leaves; keep green foliage to aid recovery.
Do clivias need fertiliser immediately? Wait until the plant stabilises, then start light feeding with CompleteGrow 20-20-20.