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Plant Profiles / Clivia
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Clivia
Clivia miniata · Bush lily, kaffir lily
A shade-loving perennial with strappy, glossy leaves and clusters of bright orange or yellow trumpet flowers in late winter and spring.
Shade to bright indirectLight
WeeklyWater
Very easyCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Shade to bright indirect
ShadeFull sun
Shade or filtered light; direct sun scorches leaves.
Water
Weekly
DryWet
Moderately drought tolerant.
Humidity
Average
LowHigh
Adaptable.
Temperature
5–30°C (41–86°F)
CoolWarm
Frost tender.
Growth
Slow, clumping
SlowFast
Grows 45–60 cm.
Soil
Free-draining
LeanRich
Chunky potting mix.
Fertiliser
Spring–summer
RarelyOften
Balanced fertiliser.
Pet safety
Toxic
SafeToxic
Toxic if eaten.
About this plant
Clivias come from South African forests. They thrive in dry shade under trees, where little else grows. They flower best when crowded in their pots.
Best spots
Shaded balconies, under trees, south-facing spots and bright indoor rooms.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Clivia miniata |
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
| Origin | South Africa |
| Plant type | Evergreen perennial |
| Mature size | 45–60 cm |
| Growth rate | Slow |
| Foliage | Strappy, glossy dark green leaves |
| Flowers | Orange or yellow trumpets |
| Toxicity | Toxic to pets |
| Propagation | Division |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Flowering
Divide
Fertilise
Water less
FloweringDivideFertiliseWater less
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| No flowers | Too much water in autumn or too large a pot. |
| Scorched leaves | Too much sun. |
| Lily borer caterpillars | Remove by hand. |
| Rotting base | Overwatering. |
| Short flower stems | Too warm in winter. |
Common questions
How do I make it flower?
Keep it drier and cooler in autumn.
Should I repot?
Only when crowded.
Can it grow indoors?
Yes.
Is it toxic?
Yes.
