What is the Best Fertiliser for Clivias?

Clivias are shade-loving perennials admired for their glossy evergreen foliage and vivid orange, yellow, or cream blooms. To flower well in Australia, they need the right balance of nutrients — too much nitrogen results in lush leaves but few flowers, while the correct fertiliser encourages buds, colour intensity, and overall plant health. The best fertiliser for clivias is a balanced NPK with added potassium and micronutrients that supports both foliage and flower spikes. A premium choice is CompleteGrow All Purpose Liquid NPK 20-20-20, applied at 4 ml per litre every 4–6 weeks during the active season.

At a Glance: Clivia Fertiliser Needs

Type: Balanced NPK, equal nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium
Ratio: 20-20-20 is ideal — encourages both roots and flowers
Frequency: Every 4–6 weeks in spring and summer; stop during winter dormancy
Method: Diluted liquid feed at the base of the plant, not on the crown
Extra Tip: Add potassium-rich top-ups late summer to boost next year’s blooms

Quick Fix: Pale leaves = nitrogen boost needed; few flowers = extra potassium. Both are covered by CompleteGrow 20-20-20.

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Why Balanced Fertiliser is Essential for Clivias

Clivias store energy in thick, fleshy roots and leaves, which power flowering the following season. For this reason, feeding is not about forcing quick results but building reserves. A balanced NPK fertiliser like 20-20-20 ensures:

Nitrogen (N): Deep green leaves that photosynthesise effectively to store energy.
Phosphorus (P): Strong root growth to support clumps and new offsets.
Potassium (K): Essential for flower spike formation, colour brightness, and disease resistance.
Micronutrients: Trace elements such as magnesium and iron prevent yellowing and support long-term vigour.

Feeding Schedule for Clivias in Australia

Spring: First application as new leaves appear — balanced feed to build strength.
Summer: Continue monthly applications to sustain growth and flower spike formation.
Late Summer/Early Autumn: Add a final feed rich in potassium before dormancy.
Winter: Stop feeding; clivias rest during this period and excess fertiliser may rot roots.

Liquid vs Granular Fertiliser

While slow-release fertilisers are sometimes used, clivias respond best to liquid feeds where nutrients are available immediately. This allows growers to adjust quickly if deficiencies appear. Granules can risk burning the fleshy roots if applied too close, whereas a liquid like CompleteGrow 20-20-20 delivers controlled nutrition safely and evenly.

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Common Feeding Mistakes with Clivias

Overfeeding nitrogen: Produces big leaves but few flowers. Always balance with potassium.
Feeding in winter: Roots are semi-dormant — nutrients are wasted or may cause rot.
Applying fertiliser on the crown: Can cause crown rot. Always water at the base around the roots.
Ignoring potted clivias: Nutrients leach quickly — feed more regularly than in-ground plants.

Best Fertiliser Recommendation

The most reliable fertiliser for clivias is CompleteGrow All Purpose Liquid NPK 20-20-20, applied at 4 ml per litre every 4–6 weeks during the growing season. This balanced formula supplies exactly what clivias need for lush foliage, strong clumps, and abundant flowering the following year.

FAQs

When should I start fertilising clivias? Begin in spring as new leaves appear, stop in winter when growth slows.
Can I use a bloom booster instead? Only if potassium is needed late summer. A balanced 20-20-20 covers the entire cycle.
Why won’t my clivia flower? Often due to excess nitrogen or poor light. Balance feed with CompleteGrow 20-20-20 and give bright, indirect light.
Is seaweed solution enough? No, seaweed is a tonic, not a fertiliser. Clivias need complete NPK nutrition.