Clivia Plant
What Is A Clivia Plant?
The clivia plant is a lovely flowering specimen that is easier to grow than the orchid, as elegant as the amaryllis to look at and just as wonderfully unusual as the Christmas cactus. Belonging to the same family of lilies as the amaryllis the clivia is every bit as colorful, though smaller than its larger trumpet shaped cousin. Its similar shape blossoms of red, red-orange, orange, yellow-orange, yellow, and almost white appear in mid to early summer depending on what region they are blooming in.
Like its relatives, when given a steady period of temperatures on the cool side in the autumn followed by roughly 6-8 weeks of rest (no water/no attention) the clivia plant produces the dense clusters of lily-like flowers it is noted for. When these flowers cluster together they form large flower heads that are sure to grab your attention.
Clivia plants can get fairly large; a mature plant reaching 2-3 feet tall as well as wide. It has long sword-like dark green leaves that arch in a very pleasing manner around the flowers. There are variations to height, and whether in bloom or not the plant is very pretty, though it is especially so as a blooming winter addition to the window garden.
The primary flower color is orange, but the varying shades are highly prized-some even rare and quite expensive. Indoors, in colder climates, they need large pots-wide based clay is best. Clivias, like many other flowering plants do not mind being root bound and can go without being interfered with up to five years. They do best when located where they will receive morning or bright, indirect sunlight.
In warmer months, the Clivia plant likes to go outdoors enjoying the morning and later afternoon sunlight. Avoid direct mid-afternoon sunlight as it will burn foliage. Also take care in rainy areas as clivias do not like excess moisture. While an occasional soak is okay they do better with less rather than more water.
A good time for repotting/planting the clivia plant is in the spring. At this time they are beginning to grow again and transplanting now will ensure the plants roots will re-establish quickly. You can propagate clivias by dividing the root balls and/or offsets.
They can be started from seeds also; best attempted in winter sown into vented containers indoors, in cold-frames or in an unheated greenhouse.
Allow seed heads to dry on plants if you plan to collect them; when dry, remove and collect. It is best to remove the fleshy coating on seeds before storing in cool, dry place. Protect yourself by wearing gloves when handling seeds as they are poisonous-especially if ingested, as are other parts of the plant. For this reason take care with animals that might get into them.
In the natural, the clivia plant grows on the ground, through out the forest trees with their roots intertwined in the natural litter of the floor. Some experts grow them in an orchid bark blend to duplicate this effect. Regardless of whether you are planting anew or repotting a seasoned clivia plant this is a good rule of thumb.