Enciclopedia Asparagales Amaryllidaceae Amaryllidoideae Clivia
Clivia
Amaryllidaceae

Clivia

Kaffir Lily
RegnoPlantae
SottoregnoTracheobionta
SuperdivisioneSpermatophyta
DivisioneMagnoliophyta
ClasseLiliopsida
OrdineAsparagales
FamigliaAmaryllidaceae
SottofamigliaAmaryllidoideae
GenereClivia
Luce
Low
Acqua
Low
Specie
3

Clivia, commonly known as Kaffir Lily or Bush Lily, is a stunning genus of South African perennials celebrated for their bold, strap-like foliage and spectacular clusters of orange, yellow, or red trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom in late winter or spring. Clivia miniata is the most widely cultivated species and is prized as a long-lived, low-maintenance indoor plant.

Habitat naturale
Clivia species are native to the shaded forest floors and rocky ravines of South Africa, particularly KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape. They grow as understory plants beneath dense forest canopy in well-drained, humus-rich soils with a distinct dry winter season that triggers flowering.
Storia e cultura
Clivia miniata was first collected and described in the 1820s and quickly became a beloved conservatory plant in Victorian Europe. In South Africa, the plant holds cultural importance in Zulu traditional medicine, where roots and leaves are used in rituals and healing. In Japan, rare yellow and variegated forms are extraordinarily prized and can fetch thousands of dollars.
Utilizzi
Clivia is grown worldwide as an ornamental houseplant prized for its ability to flower reliably with minimal care. Its bold flowers appear in late winter when few other plants bloom, making it particularly valued. In mild climates it is also used in shaded garden borders and as a container plant for patios.
Conservazione
Clivia miniata is not endangered, but some rarer species such as Clivia gardenii and Clivia nobilis face habitat pressure in South Africa. Rare cultivars with yellow or variegated flowers are highly sought after and command premium prices in horticulture.
Specie e varietà (3)
Clivia gardenii
Clivia gardenii
Clivia miniata
Clivia miniata
2 cultivar
Clivia nobilis
Clivia nobilis
Guida alla cura
Luce

Clivia thrives in bright, indirect light and tolerates moderate shade well — it is one of the few flowering plants that performs reliably in low light. Direct sun scorches the strap-like leaves and may prevent flowering. A north or east-facing window, or a spot shaded from direct sun, is ideal.

Acqua

During the growing season (spring–summer), allow the top 3–4 cm to dry between waterings, then water thoroughly. CRITICAL: Clivia requires a cool, dry winter rest to set flower buds for the following spring. From October to January, reduce watering to once a month at most and move to a cool location (7–13 °C if possible). Without this cold, dry dormancy, Clivia rarely flowers.

Substrato

Well-draining, fertile potting mix: 50% potting compost, 30% perlite, 20% fine bark. Good drainage is essential — the fleshy roots are susceptible to rot.

Temperatura e umidità

Optimal 18–24 °C in summer; cooler dormancy of 7–13 °C in winter is critical for flowering. Standard indoor humidity is adequate. Keep away from frost.

Concimazione

Feed monthly during spring and summer with a balanced or high-potassium liquid fertilizer. This promotes flowering. Stop completely during the winter rest period.

Potatura

Remove spent flower stems at the base after blooming. Do not remove the leaves after flowering — they continue to photosynthesise and support the rhizome for next year's bloom. Clivia flowers best when root-bound — repot only every 3–4 years in spring after flowering, or when roots are visibly bursting from the pot. ⚠️ All parts of Clivia are toxic (lycorine and other alkaloids) — keep away from children and pets.

Propagazione
Polloni/figli

The most common method is removing offsets (pups) that develop at the base of mature plants.

1
Wait until offsets have developed at least 4–5 leaves of their own before separating.
2
Remove the plant from its pot and carefully detach the offset with its roots using a clean knife.
3
Allow the cut surface to callus for a few hours.
4
Pot the offset in a well-draining mix and water lightly.
5
Place in bright indirect light; expect flowering after 2–3 years.
Semina

Seeds can be extracted from the decorative berries and sown, though plants take 3–5 years to flower.

1
Allow berries to ripen fully (deep red or orange) before harvesting.
2
Remove seeds from the berry pulp and rinse clean.
3
Sow seeds in a moist, well-draining seed mix at 65–75°F.
4
Germination occurs within 4–6 weeks; transplant seedlings once they have 2–3 leaves.
Domande frequenti
Why is my Clivia not flowering?
The most common reason is the absence of a cool, dry winter rest period. Clivia needs 6–8 weeks at 7–13 °C with minimal watering in autumn/winter to trigger flower bud development. Move to an unheated spare room or cool conservatory in October. Also avoid repotting frequently — it flowers best when root-bound.
Should I repot my Clivia every year?
No — Clivia flowers best when rootbound. Repot only every 3–4 years in spring after flowering, or when roots are clearly escaping the drainage holes. Frequent repotting delays or prevents flowering.
Is Clivia toxic?
Yes — all parts, particularly the roots and berries, contain lycorine and related alkaloids that cause vomiting, salivation, diarrhoea and, in severe cases, more serious neurological symptoms. Keep strictly away from children, cats and dogs.
Proponi una modifica