Clivia miniata

Bring a premium, evergreen look to your space with Clivia—bold strap leaves today, and spectacular flower clusters when mature. It thrives in bright indoor light, needs only moderate watering, and stays attractive year-round. Ideal for reception areas, living rooms, and thoughtful gifting—just place it well, water wisely, and let it reward you season after season.

1. Basic Identification

Common Name: Clivia
Botanical Name: Clivia miniata
Former Name: Not available
Plant Type: Flowering houseplant
Plant Code / SKU: PLT-0070
Alternative Names:
Kaffir lily
Natal lily
Bush lily
Arabic name: يوغا

2. Taxonomy & Classification

Order: Asparagales
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Genus: Clivia

3. Origin & Distribution

Native to the woodland and forest floor habitats of the Eastern Cape province in South Africa; widely cultivated as an ornamental houseplant and outdoor container plant in subtropical and warm temperate regions worldwide.

4. Visual Characteristics

Evergreen, strap-shaped, glossy dark green leaves arising in a fan from a fleshy rhizome; flower stalks (scapes) rise above foliage bearing umbels of 10–20 trumpet-shaped flowers, typically orange to red with yellow throats; blooms in late winter to spring.

5. Size & Dimensions

Height: 30–60 cm (12–24 in)
Spread: 45–60 cm (18–24 in)
Leaf length: up to 60 cm (24 in)
Flower umbel diameter: 10–20 cm (4–8 in)

6. Light Requirements

Bright, indirect light or partial shade; avoid direct midday sun to prevent leaf scorch; tolerates lower light levels but may reduce flowering.

7. Watering Needs

Keep soil evenly moist during active growth (spring–summer); allow the top 2–3 cm (1 in) of soil to dry out between waterings; reduce watering in fall and winter to prevent rot.

8. Soil & Potting

Use a well-draining, humus-rich potting mix (e.g., equal parts potting soil, peat moss, perlite); ensure containers have drainage holes; repot every 2–3 years or when root-bound, dividing offsets as needed.

9. Temperature & Humidity

Optimal temperature range 15–24 °C (59–75 °F); minimum 10 °C (50 °F); average indoor humidity (40–60%) is adequate, but higher humidity promotes better growth and flowering.

10. Fertilization

Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring–summer); reduce or stop feeding in fall and winter.

11. Maintenance & Care Level

Low to moderate care; remove spent flower stalks and yellowing leaves to maintain appearance; monitor periodically for pests; generally easy for intermediate growers.

12. Growth & Propagation

Propagate primarily by division of offsets (pups) when repotting; gently separate and pot offsets in their own containers; seed propagation is possible but slow, with 4–5 years to first flowering.

13. Common Problems

Overwatering can cause root and crown rot; leaf tip browning from fluoride in water or low humidity; pests include mealybugs, scale insects, and aphids; fungal leaf spots in overly damp or poorly ventilated conditions.

14. Benefits & Uses

Highly valued as an ornamental indoor plant for its striking foliage and winter–spring blooms; excellent for reception areas, living rooms, and office decor; cut flowers last well in arrangements; may contribute marginally to indoor air quality.

15. Toxicity & Safety

All parts of Clivia miniata are toxic if ingested, especially to pets (cats and dogs), causing vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and abdominal pain; handle with care and keep out of reach of children and animals.