The Clivia ( Clivia miniata ) is a beautiful houseplant native to South Africa. Quite similar to its cousin, the Amaryllis , with its dark green, shiny and very graphic ribbon-like leaves, the Clivia bears flowers grouped in clusters from February to April with variable hues depending on the hybrid. Orange flowers, however, are the most common. I propose today to discover how to cultivate and take care of this plant .
Where to keep a Clivia?
It depends on the season. In winter, the Clivia appreciates the coolness of the least heated room in the house. It can be installed for example on a shelf near a window, always far enough from the radiator of the room. The plant also likes under a veranda, provided that the temperatures inside it do not drop below 10°C and that the amplitude between day and night is not abysmal.
However, a minimum of freshness is beneficial to the Clivia . The plant needs it during its resting phase to initiate the start of flowering. On the other hand, as soon as the flower stalks appear, it appreciates more the atmosphere of a living room, brighter but also more heated. The flowers, when they open, then last longer.
How to water it?
In winter, the Clivia needs regular watering, once a week, but moderate. If you forget to water it once, the plant won’t mind.
On the other hand, during the flowering period, in spring, but especially during summer, watering must be followed more carefully (twice a week at least). The soil should stay moist, but not soggy. This is an important period for the Clivia which, during the summer, replenishes the reserves of its bulb and thus prepares for flowering the following year.
Importantly, never leave water at the bottom of the pot or in the saucer. The Clivia bulb hates stagnant humidity and risks rotting.