In the Garden

Ask the master gardeners

Q: How can I get the clivia plant that I have had for several years to bloom?

A: Clivia miniata is from the family Amaryllidaceae, and its common names include kaffir lily and flame lily. It grows naturally on the shaded forest floor in South Africa, where there is plenty of rainfall in summer and the winters are dry.

Plants are mature enough to bloom when they have 12 to 14 leaves, generally when they are 2 to 5 years old. In warm, low light, clivias will grow leaves indefinitely but will not flower. The dark green foliage make it an attractive plant nonetheless.

To flower, clivias require one month of cool temperatures at night in autumn.

A protected porch or cool room works best. The cooling period may need to be extended if warmer temperatures are unavoidable. This is followed by 6 to 8 weeks of rest, when the plant is given very little water.

In early to mid spring, new flowers should appear. Bright, indirect sun is best for the plant; direct sun may scorch the leaves. Morning sun is ideal.

You should also resume normal watering. Water thoroughly to flush out accumulating salts and to encourage the roots to grow downward, but do not overwater. Be sure to turn the container regularly to avoid lopsided growth.

When the flowers fade, remove the stalk at its base to prevent the seeds (red berries) from forming. The berries deplete the plant’s energy, possibly preventing it from reblooming the following year.

Clivias in 12-inch containers will bloom and multiply for many years before they need to be repotted. The roots like to be somewhat constricted, and slightly acidic soil is best.

In warmer months, the plant can be placed outdoors in dappled shade. The bright, long-lasting blooms of this tropical plant make it a fun and exotic alternative to traditional houseplants.
Ursula Woolley, New City master gardener, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rockland

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