Q: A friend recently gave me a clivia plant, which I've put in my conservatory. I'm not sure how to look after it – do you have any advice?
A: Clivias are beautiful flowering houseplants hailing from South Africa. Their trumpet-shaped blooms in fiery hues brighten a home during the warmer months, and they're easy to look after.
Like any indoor plant, there are a few things to remember to keep clivias looking their best. Below, the experts share their insights, including tips on temperature. Do note, too, that these plants are poisonous, so keep them safely out of reach from pets and handle them with gardening gloves.
Get the temperature right
Clivias like moderate indoor temperatures of 60 to 75°F during their growing season (in spring and summer), according to Kiersten Rankel of plant-care app Greg. 'In fall and winter, a cooler period of 50 to 55°F for a couple of months can help trigger blooming,' she adds.
Always remember to protect houseplants from central heating, as well as from cold drafts and air conditioning vents.
This highly-rated Bluetooth thermometer from Govee at Amazon will help you get the balance right.
Only water when needed
Justin Hancock of Costa Farms says clivias are relatively drought tolerant, noting how it's best to let them stay too dry rather than too wet.
They prefer to dry out slightly between waterings, adds Kiersten. During the growing season, she recommends watering them every week or so, depending on how quickly the soil dries out. In the dormant period (fall and winter), she suggests reducing watering to typically once every three or so weeks.
'Always use well-draining soil and pots with drainage holes to prevent root rot,' she adds.
Keep the light bright
'To help encourage good growth and flowering, give it bright light,' says Justin. 'Keeping it within about three feet of a good-sized east- or west-facing window is ideal.
'It tolerates medium light levels well, though, so you can keep it farther from a window,' he adds, but notes how this might reduce blooming.
Be wary of direct sunlight, however. According to Kiersten, too much of this can scorch the plants' leaves.
Getting a clivia to flower indoors
'Encouraging a clivia to flower indoors requires mimicking its natural growing cycle,' says Kiersten. This is similar to helping a Christmas cactus bloom. As mentioned above, you'll want to reduce watering and give it a period of slightly cooler temperatures in the fall and winter months.
'Proper fertilization also helps,' Kiersten adds. 'Feed with a balanced fertilizer every two to three weeks during the growing season.'
This 10-10-10 formula is ideal for feeding indoor plants. Simply dilute with water before applying.
FAQs
What are some common problems when growing clivias indoors?
Common problems with clivias include yellowing leaves and root rot, lists Kiersten. Yellowing leaves are often a sign of overwatering, she notes. This can be the cause of yellowing snake plant leaves, too. 'Root rot can also occur if the plant sits in waterlogged soil. Always empty saucers and avoid pots without drainage.'
Justin also warns of common houseplant pests – particularly spider mites and mealybugs. 'These pests can be treated with an insecticide or insecticidal soap,' he says.
Should you deadhead a clivia?
Yes, you can deadhead the flowers using a clean pair of pruners to neaten up your plant. Simply remove the entire flower stem. Remember to wear gardening gloves, to protect your hands from the irritant sap.
If you're looking for more advice on beautiful flowering houseplants, our guides on African violets and orchids may help.
