The most rewarding Clivia, of the six types indigenous to South Africa, is the Clivia Miniata. It is the first to flower in spring and has large clusters of orange, trumpet like flowers. It also attracts the pretty Swallowtail butterfly, to the garden. These Clivias are lovely in a vase and last for weeks. They are equally  beautiful indoors, or in the garden.

Planting Clivias
Clivias like any garden soil, except clay. When digging the hole, to a depth of about 25 cm, place a fair amount of compost in to the soil and add a little bonemeal, or super phosphate. The Clivia plant can then be left for years, without having to fuss over it.

The Clivia should be planted, at the same level, as it was in the plant bag, otherwise, if planted too deep, the leaf base will rot. One should plant Clivias at least 50 cm, to 60 cm apart, because if they are too close, there will not be enough air circulation and they could catch Mealie Bug disease.

Shade and shelter.
Semi shady conditions are best. Do not give them full sun. The Clivias will grow in deep shade, but won’t flower as well. They should be protected from frost and cold winds.

Food and water.
Water the Clivias once a week in summer and once a month in winter. Fertilise once in summer and autumn, with a granular fertiliser, like 3:1:5 or 5:1:5.

Pests
The Lily Borer (Amaryllis Caterpillar) will tunnel into the mid stem area, of the Clivia and kill the plant. Squash the bugs, or spray plants. A snail can devour the plant, in one night’s feeding.

Growing Clivias in pots.
Use potting soil, with lots of bark chips, or a mix of peat and leaf mould. Containers should have ample drainage holes, or if a drip spray is used, empty the container frequently, to prevent root rot. The potted plants can be housed indoors, or on a patio, where the Clivias will get good light, but not full sun.

Water indoor Clivia plants, once a week, in summer and every third week, in winter. Feed with liquid fertiliser, once a month.

Some other species of Clivia, are  the Clivia Miniata Lulea and the Clivia Mirabillis. The blooms of these Clivias, are not as showy as the Clivia Miniata, but each has their own beauty and attract pretty sunbirds to the garden.

The book called The Gardener’s Handbook will give you lots more advice. This is the secret to having a beautiful garden. It is available here http://dersalsites.com/ghand/

Sally Robson is an up and coming, South African internet marketer, with a vision of empowering all fellow South Africans and non U.S folk, to have equal opportunity and success on the internet. She and her husband Derek, have started a string of sites, resources, courses and articles, as part of Dersalsites. She also has a passion for gardening.

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