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Clivia

Phonetic Spelling
KLIV-ee-ah
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

Clivia is a genus of herbaceous perennial flowering plants native to southern Africa in the Amaryllis (onion) family. The vibrant orange to reddish flowers makes this bulb stand out. It is commonly used as a houseplant but can be mass planted outdoors in mild climates along a border or walkway.

When grown as container plants, give it bright light indoors but mostly shady outdoors. For proper flowering, keep in a lighted area at 50-60 degrees F in the fall or early winter and withhold water and fertilizer to allow a rest period.  This plant tolerates drought well. It prefers to be root-bound and can stay in the same pot for 3- 5 years. Allow the plant to dry slightly between waterings and fertilize monthly during the active growing period.

Plant bulbs 6"-12" apart at a depth of 1". Clivias can take 3-5 years to bloom from seed so it is best to buy a mature plant. 

Quick ID Hints:

  • Leaves are dark green, thick, and strap-like.
  • Leaves are glossy with a leathery texture. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Overwatering can cause crown rot. Overhead watering can cause leaf diseases such as rust.  It can be difficult to propagate

 

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • C. miniata
C. miniata
Tags:
#hummingbird friendly#houseplant#drought tolerant#interiorscape#low maintenance#mass planting#flower arrangements#long-lasting flowers#summer flowers#vibrant#summer bulbs#border planting#cutting garden#bird friendly#butterfly friendly#problem for cats#problem for dogs#container plant
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • C. miniata
C. miniata
Tags:
#hummingbird friendly#houseplant#drought tolerant#interiorscape#low maintenance#mass planting#flower arrangements#long-lasting flowers#summer flowers#vibrant#summer bulbs#border planting#cutting garden#bird friendly#butterfly friendly#problem for cats#problem for dogs#container plant
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Clivia
    Family:
    Amaryllidaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Bulb
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    South Africa
    Dimensions:
    Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Bulb
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Clumping
    Growth Rate:
    Slow
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Coarse
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Occasionally Dry
    Available Space To Plant:
    Less than 12 inches
    12 inches-3 feet
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Red/Burgundy
    Fruit Type:
    Berry
    Fruit Description:
    Red round fruits after flowering
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Orange
    Red/Burgundy
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Umbel
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Good Cut
    Long-lasting
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Bell
    Cup
    Funnel
    Flower Petals:
    6 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    1-3 inches
    Flower Description:
    Yellow to orange to almost red cup to bell to funnel-shaped flowers in clusters called umbrels. The flowers are showy and can occur in clusters held in the foliage or held above the foliage. Different varieties bloom at different times
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Variegated
    Leaf Feel:
    Fleshy
    Leathery
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Long-lasting
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Rosulate
    Leaf Shape:
    Lanceolate
    Linear
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Strappy long sword-like leaves arise from the bulb opposite from each other and are up to 2 feet long and 4 inches wide. They can be green to variegated.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Green
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    Thick green stems
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Houseplants
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Mass Planting
    Attracts:
    Butterflies
    Hummingbirds
    Songbirds
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Drought
    Problems:
    Problem for Cats
    Problem for Dogs
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    Vomiting, salvation, diarrhea; large ingestions cause convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors and cardiac arrhythmias. Bulbs are the most poisonous part.
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Lycorine and other alkaloids
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    No