Clivia produces vibrant orange, yellow, or pink flowers that resemble those of an amaryllis but are much smaller and appear in clusters of 12 to 20 flowers. Perennial clivia (Clivia miniata) is also known as clivia lily, fire lily, bush lily, and natal lily. This South African native is most often grown as a houseplant in the U.S. because it doesn’t tolerate direct sunlight or cold temperatures. However, it can be grown outdoors in USDA Zones 9-11 or in a container that is moved into a warm area before frost. Ready to grow a clivia? Here’s what you need to know. 

Where to Plant Clivia

If you live in USDA Zone 9-11, you can grow clivias outdoors. In other zones, grow them as houseplants or move them indoors to overwinter before the first frost in the fall. They need a shady spot or one with partial shade to grow outdoors. Clivias grow best in containers filled with coarse, well-drained soil or an orchid mix; they develop root rot in average garden soil. When grown indoors, they prefer an area that receives bright, indirect sunlight. 

How and When to Plant Clivia

The best time to plant clivia in the garden is spring or summer. In USDA Zones 9-11, place it in a spot that receives dappled shade, such as under a tree. In an area with well-draining soil, dig a hole slightly wider but at the same depth as the nursery pot. Set the clivia at ground level with the surrounding soil. Don’t spread the roots because the plant dislikes root disturbance. The roots are shallow, so apply mulch around the plant to keep the soil moist and the roots cool.

In colder zones, plant clivia in a container and bring it inside for the winter. It cannot handle frost. 

Clivia Care Tips

Clivia plants are easy to care for when their basic needs are met.

Light

Clivia plants like partial shade and don’t do well in direct sunlight. Grow them where there is shade, or choose a spot that receives morning or dappled sunlight. If you grow it as a houseplant, place it in a window with bright indirect sunlight, such as a north- or east-facing window. A west-facing window is an option if it doesn’t receive direct sunlight.  If you grow clivia outdoors, place it in an area that receives dappled sunlight. 

Soil and Water

Clivia loves chunky, well-draining soil. Use a sandy succulent potting mix or soil for orchids with shredded bark. The plant fares well in acidic or neutral soil.

These plants do best when the soil dries out before being watered again. During their growing period of spring and summer, water them regularly after checking the soil. Winter is their dormant time when they need less water. Water minimally to avoid the soil becoming bone dry. 

Temperature and Humidity

Clivia houseplants do well in the low humidity of the average home. When grown outdoors, these plants are often brought indoors before the first frost. Provide them ample time to adjust to being indoors, especially if there’s a big temperature difference. 

Fertilizer

Fertilize clivias monthly with a water-soluble or slow-release (20-20-20) fertilizer diluted to half strength, following the package directions. Don’t fertilize them during their dormancy period in winter. 

Pruning

Clivias don’t need to be pruned. You can remove dead leaves if you want the plant to look clean and tidy. 

Potting and Repotting

Clivias can live in the same pot for years because they like being rootbound. Use a terra-cotta container to aid with air circulation and minimize root rot. Although it’s typical to place a saucer under a pot to catch excess water, it’s best to use pot feet so the water can drain away rather than pooling around the roots.

Pests and Problems

Clivias don’t have many pests or issues. Be on the lookout for mealybugs—tiny, fuzzy insects that suck on the leaves, stems, and flowers and leave a sticky residue. Checking the stems, undersides of leaves, and in between the leaves occasionally is the key to prevention. An infestation can spread quickly if you’re not actively looking for these pests. If you find mealybugs, spray them off with a strong stream of water or wipe them away with insecticidal soap or with neem oil.

Clivias don’t face many issues, but avoid overwatering or soggy soil to prevent root rot, especially in a container. 

How to Propagate Clivia

Propagating a clivia plant by division in the spring or summer is easy. Wait until the plant is mature and produces offsets or new plants around the base, usually when it is three to four years old.

Dig up the plant or remove it from the pot. Use a hose or the sprayer in your sink to carefully remove the soil from the roots without damaging them. Gently pull away the offsets from the base. Each offset or new plant will have about three or four leaves. Place each new plant into a container that fits the roots, so not too small but not too large either. Put the container in an area that receives indirect, bright light. You’ll know the plant has rooted when new leaves appear. 

Types of Clivia

There are many cultivars of Clivia miniata, including:

‘Longwood Sunrise’

Clivia miniata ‘Longwood Sunrise’ has showy orange blossoms with a warm yellow center. This beauty attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds and thrives in partial to full shade.

‘Golden Dragon’

Clivia miniata ‘Golden Dragon’ has beautiful yellow-gold flower clusters above dark green foliage. The clusters are large and long-lasting, blooming from February through May. In spring, the plant produces red berries.

‘Doris’

Clivia miniata ‘Doris’ bears clusters of stunning, trumpet-shaped, orange-red blooms with yellow throats. The flowers are lightly scented, and the dark green foliage remains close to the ground.

‘Red Peony’

Clivia miniata ‘Red Peony’ is a double-flowered clivia that bears red-orange clusters of spectacular double blooms. This new introduction is difficult to find but should soon be on the wish list of every Clivia miniata fan.

Clivia Companion Plants

Clivia plants grow well in part shade and cannot tolerate full sun. The best companion plants are those that prefer similar conditions.

Perennial Geranium

Coming in a huge range of shapes, colors, and sizes, perennial geraniums, also called cranesbill geraniums, are beautiful garden plants that pair well with clivia. The plants are short—usually less than 12 inches, although some varieties reach 18 inches—and they thrive in partial shade. Zones 3–9

Mint

The dark green leaves of clivia work well with the foliage of mint. This multipurpose herb grows in partial shade. It can grow tall over a season, but trimming the plant for a mint julep, tea, or attractive garnish keeps it at a manageable size. Zones 2–10

Toad Lily

Toad lily brings a touch of elegance to a shady garden. This perennial blooms in fall when most other shade plants are finished for the season. The attractive speckled flowers contrast beautifully with clivia’s dark green foliage. Zones 5–9