Kaffir lily

clivia miniata

Also known as: ["Natal lily","Bush lily"]

Family: Amaryllidaceae Genus: Clivia Category: Flowers

Overview

A perennial herbaceous plant with evergreen strap-like leaves and clusters of bright orange or red flowers.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Order: Asparagales
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Genus: Clivia
Botanical Name: Clivia miniata

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: indoor pot in bright, indirect light or shaded outdoor garden
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Indoor Plant Lovers Collectors & Enthusiasts Elderly Gardeners
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"7–24°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand; some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically after flowering or when leaves yellow.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; minimal removal of foliage.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light 4–6 hours/day; tolerates partial shade; adjust for stronger light in winter.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to brighter light; protect from direct sun to prevent scorching; place near east-facing window indoors.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor drainage or incorrect soil conditions.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

partial shade

Avoid direct afternoon sun; rotate plant for even light exposure; adjust light in winter.

Watering

every 2–3 weeks during active growth, reduce to monthly in winter

Water thoroughly but infrequently; avoid waterlogging; reduce watering during dormancy.

Soil

well-draining, loamy potting mix with added sand or perlite

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Use a mix with good drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pH is balanced.

Temperature

Ideal 50–75°F (10–24°C); cooler temperatures (50–60°F) promote flowering in winter.

Keep away from drafty areas; maintain consistent temperatures; cooler temps encourage blooms.

Fertilizing

every 2–3 months during active growth, none in winter

Reduce fertilizer in dormancy; apply after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.

Propagation

Methods

Division of clumps or seed propagation.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Separate offsets with roots.
  2. Plant in new pots.
  3. Water lightly.
  4. Maintain humidity.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm, humid, and bright indirect light with consistent moisture.

Medium

Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand.

Hormone

Not necessary for division; optional for seeds to aid germination.

Timeline

Division: immediate establishment; seeds: 1–2 years to flowering.

Tools Needed

Sharp knife, clean pots, well-draining soil, rooting hormone (optional).

Quick Tips

Divide only mature clumps; keep seedlings warm and moist; be patient with seeds.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Snip flower stalks at the base; trim yellow leaves close to the stem.

Pruning Plan

Remove spent flower stalks and yellow leaves to maintain appearance and redirect energy to growth.

Tools

Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.

Checklist

Check for dead/damaged parts; sanitize tools; prune carefully to avoid stem damage.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, just before active growth begins.

Pot Size

One size larger pot (1–2 inches wider in diameter).

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; repot in fresh, well-draining soil with a slightly larger pot.

Suggestions

Repot every 3–4 years or when roots fill the pot; overcrowding encourages flowering.

Checklist

Check root health; use fresh soil; ensure good drainage; avoid overpotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust frequency by season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water deeply at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; ensure excess water drains away; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.

Pro Tip: Use room-temperature water to avoid shocking the roots.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water sparingly during winter dormancy (every 4–6 weeks), increasing frequency to every 1–2 weeks in spring/summer as growth resumes; allow soil to dry between waterings.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Chlorosis, leaf drop, stunted growth, or bud drop in extreme heat or cold.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, causes leaf discoloration, and may lead to root rot if soil remains wet.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; ensure soil dries between waterings; protect from drafts.

Hot Stress

Wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering due to excessive heat and dryness.

Solution: Provide shade, increase humidity, water more frequently, and ensure good air circulation.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check season; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; stop in winter.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10) diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring/summer; avoid fertilizing in fall/winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Clivia miniata can indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, often affecting the plant's overall health and vigor.

Wilting in Clivia miniata may result from underwatering, overwatering, or root rot, impacting the plant's ability to transport water and nutrients efficiently.

Leaf spots on Clivia miniata can be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, resulting in unsightly damage and potentially weakening the plant if severe.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Clivia miniata is often caused by overwatering or poor drainage, leading to decay and potential plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

Cats are particularly sensitive to the cardiac glycosides in Clivia miniata, which can lead to severe gastrointestinal and cardiac problems. Even small amounts can be harmful.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy difficulty breathing heart problems
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves flowers berries
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep plants out of reach of cats. If ingestion is suspected, seek veterinary care without delay.
Dogs
Toxic

The cardiac glycosides in Clivia miniata can be harmful to dogs, potentially causing cardiac issues and gastrointestinal distress. The toxicity level is higher in pets compared to humans.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy weakness heart arrhythmias
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves flowers berries
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep plants away from dogs. If ingestion is suspected, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Clivia miniata contains small amounts of cardiac glycosides, which can affect the heart if ingested in large quantities. The toxicity is generally mild in humans but can be more pronounced in sensitive individuals.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting diarrhea abdominal pain
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves flowers berries
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep out of reach of children and avoid ingestion. If accidental ingestion occurs, seek medical attention.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Clivia miniata toxic to pets?

A: Yes, it is toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.

Q: How often should I water Clivia miniata?

A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings, especially during dormancy.

Q: Does Clivia miniata need direct sunlight?

A: No, it prefers bright indirect light and can tolerate partial shade.

Quick Reference
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Care: moderate
Light: partial shade
Water: every 2–3 weeks during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","indoor plant lovers","collectors/enthusiasts","elderly gardeners"]
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