Kaffir Lily (Clivia miniata): Forcing Orange Trumpet Blooms in Late Winter

Botanical Name: Clivia miniata

A summer garden flower, Kaffir Lily can be forced into indoor bloom in late winter or early spring.

Keep It Clean

Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to keep them dust-free and shiny.

This amaryllis family member (Amaryllidaceae) bears clusters of 10–15 trumpet-shaped flowers above a thick, upright stem. Bright orange with yellow centers are most common; red, peach, yellow, or white varieties sometimes available.

Dark-green strappy leaves are 2 in (5 cm) wide, reaching ~18 in (45 cm) long.

How to Make Clivia Bloom

Give Kaffir Lily a cool, dry rest for 6–8 weeks in fall to induce bloom.

Move outside for a month before first frost, then bring inside to a cool room until midwinter.

After this rest, increased water and normal room temperatures bring a spectacular show in March or April.

Rare Yellow Clivia Plant for Sale

After the Bloom Cut off spent flower head. Wait till flower stem shrivels before cutting at plant base. Continue displaying—glossy leaves stay attractive.

This beautiful bloomer prefers to be slightly pot-bound, staying in the same pot 3+ years.

Thick, fleshy roots often appear on soil surface. Just top-dress yearly with fresh soil as needed.

Kaffir Lily Care Quick Reference

Origin: South Africa

Height: Up to 18 in (45 cm)

Light: Bright light, no direct sun

Water: Keep soil evenly moist spring and summer. Fall and early winter: water sparingly to keep from drying completely. Gradually increase watering in midwinter.

Humidity: Average humidity

Temperature: Winter through summer: average 60–75°F (16–24°C). Fall: cool rest 40–55°F (4–13°C) for 6–8 weeks.

Soil: Peat moss-based potting mix

Fertilizer: Feed every 2 weeks spring to fall with balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half

Propagation: Division. Thick, fleshy roots are fragile. Carefully detach offsets with roots from parent immediately after flowering, pot separately.