Clivia (Kaffir Lily): Striking Orange Blooms for Shade

Clivia miniata, from South African woodlands, forms bold fans of dark green, strap-like leaves and spectacular umbels of 10–15 trumpet-shaped orange-red flowers on stout stems. Long-lived, low-maintenance, and shade-tolerant—it's a classic heirloom plant.

Species & Varieties

• C. miniata: Orange-red flowers, most common.
• C. nobilis: Red-green tipped, pendulous flowers.
• Yellow, peach, and pastel cultivars exist.

Seasonal Care Cycle

Winter Rest (Nov–Jan)

8–10°C (46–50°F), minimal water. Essential for flower initiation.

Spring Awakening

When flower stalk reaches 5–7 cm: move to 18°C (64°F), increase water, feed biweekly with high-phosphorus fertilizer.

Summer

Outdoors in shade. Keep moist, fertilize monthly.

Autumn

Reduce water, stop fertilizing. Prepare for rest.

Soil & Repotting

Rich, well-draining: 2 parts leaf mold, 2 parts loam, 1 part sand. Repot only when crowded (every 3–4 years) after flowering.

Propagation

Offsets (spring division) bloom in 2–3 years. Seeds: hand-pollinate, sow fresh, 14–16 days at warmth. Seedlings bloom in 3–4 years.

Problems

Root rot (overwatering). Mealybugs in leaf bases. Sun scorch (yellow-brown patches) = too much light.

Clivia's architectural foliage and reliable winter/spring bloom make it a shade-garden star.