Clivia

Clivia is also called “Winter Lily” because of its winter blooming. Native of subtropical areas of South Africa, Clivia is now the most popular lily houseplants decorating places of all over the world. It had arrived in England in 1852 and its name is of Duchess of Northumberland, lady Charlotte-Florentine-Clive, Queen Victoria’s governess.

Description

Clivia is alike a small bushy shrub. Its stem is thick and surrounded by long linear leaves and the flowers are on top collected in beautiful bouquets.

Flowering

Clivia flowers in early spring, sometimes in winter. During winter the plant needs a resting period (from 6 to 8 weeks) for regular blooming. In this time, remove Clivia to a cold place (between 8 and 10 degrees centigrade), less water and don’t fertilize it.

Clivia growing

Clivia loves full light, but no direct sunlight. Maintain a constant temperature for better flowering between 18 and 20 degrees. Water the plant twice in summer and once in a week in winter. We have to point out that you are not allowed to over water Clivia, because this will take to the root’s rottenness. As an advice, don’t over water and also don’t keep it in a warm place during winter, because it will not flower. The appropriate soil is a potting mix containing leaves soil and sand. Add some fresh soil each year.

You have to fertilize Clivia soil once in 2 or 3 weeks in summer.

Clivia multiplication

Clivia’s multiplication is possible through sprigs which are growing at the stem’s base. Make the separation of the sprig only late in spring, after the blooming.

clivia, flower, small shrub, lily

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