Light: A Clivia needs bright indirect light but no direct sun. It can be moved outside in the shade during the summer.

Water: During the growing season, from the end of March through October, water a Clivia deeply so that the water comes out of the bottom drip holes in the pot. Do not water again until the top few inches of the soil have dried out. Clivias like to be kept on the dry side. Pale green or orange lesions on the leaves indicate over watering. Clivias should be allowed to "rest" during the winter in a cool spot and will need very little water during this time.

Temperature: A Clivia actively grows from March-October, and needs temperatures between 65-70 degrees during this time. While the Clivia is "resting", from November-February, the temperature should be between 50-55 degrees. A Clivia will not do well when the temperature goes below 50 degrees.

Fertilizer: A Clivia should be fertilized after it has finished blooming. Feed the plant monthly with a balanced indoor plant food at ½ strength from May through August. Never fertilize a Clivia after September.

Pests: Pests are rarely a problem with Clivias. If mealy bugs should appear on your plant, wipe them off with a Qtip dipped in alcohol.

Soil: Since Clivias like to be a little dry, use a fast draining soil that has a lot of peat moss and some sand in it.

Resting Period: It's essential that a Clivia rest for several months during the winter. Move the plant to a cool (55 degrees) dark spot in November and water it only when the soil dries out. In March move your Clivia to a warmer (65 degrees) brighter location and give it more water.

Propagation: Clivias are easily propagated by plant division.

1. My Clivia seems very large for its pot. How often should I repot it?
A Clivia blooms best when it is root bound in a small pot. It's even okay if some of the roots are above the soil line. You should consider repotting a Clivia about every three or four years.

2. Does a Clivia need pruning?
The only pruning you need to do on a Clivia is cut off the dead flowers at the base of their stalk and remove any brown or dead leaves.

3.There are brown spots on the leaves of my Clivia and the flowers are not looking good.
Your Clivia is probably getting too much direct sun. Move your plant to an area where the light is bright but not so intense.

4. Can I grow a Clivia from seeds?
You can grow a Clivia from seeds but it is VERY slow process, and it will take years to produce a flowering plant. I suggest you just buy a mature Clivia and enjoy the beauty of it.

5. The leaves on my Clivia are shriveling and getting yellow and brown.
Over watering or severe under watering are the main reasons why a Clivia has problems. Check your soil and see in which direction you may be erring.