There are six types of Clivia indigenous to South Africa, but the most charming 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 just as beautiful indoors as they are in the garden.

How To Plant Clivias.

Clivias like any garden soil, except clay conditions. When digging the hole, dig to a depth of about 25 cm, place a fair amount of compost in to the soil and then 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 Containers.
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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.

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Sally Robson is a South African Internet marketer, who together with her husband Derek, have a vision of empowering all fellow South Africans and other non U.S folk, to have equal opportunity and success on the internet, by overcoming the many obstacles facing them. They have started a string of sites, resources, courses and articles, as part of Dersalsites. Sally has a passion for gardening. For more articles and advice on gardening topics, visit Sally at: http://www.dersalsites.com/sallysgardeningtips/ 

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