Why won't my Clivia bloom?

It likely needs a cooler, drier rest period during the winter months.

How often should I water?

Allow the top half of the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

Plant guide

Kaffir Lily.

Clivia miniata

Pronounced KLY-vee-uh min-ee-AH-tuh

Natal Lily — Photo by Eva Li (CC BY) via iNaturalist

The Kaffir Lily is a stunning, shade-loving perennial that brings a bright splash of color to indoor spaces. It is quite famous for its long, dark green strap-like leaves and clusters of trumpet-shaped flowers. These plants are very slow-growing and actually prefer to be a bit root-bound in their pots.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Perennial
Light: Bright indirect light
Indoor light: Medium light
Water: Every 10 to 14 days
Mature size: 45 to 60 cm
Growth rate: Slow
Hardiness: USDA 9 to 11
Bloom time: Late winter to spring

Care

Keep your plant in bright, indirect light and avoid direct sun which can scorch the leaves. Allow the soil to dry out significantly between waterings, especially during the winter resting period. Watch for yellowing leaves or mushy stems, as these are common signs of overwatering.

Watering: Water thoroughly but let the top half of the soil dry out completely.
Feeding: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer during the active growing season.
Pruning: Remove spent flower stalks and dead leaves as needed.
Repotting: Only repot when the roots are visibly pushing the plant out of its container.
Soil: Well-draining potting mix
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.0
Temperature: 10 to 24°C
Humidity: 40 to 60%
Drought tolerance: Moderate
Lifespan: Perennial, can live for decades if well cared for.
Fragrance: Light
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
The plant pushes itself up out of the pot.
Water drains through almost immediately without soaking in.

Safety

People: The plant contains lycorine and other alkaloids that are poisonous to humans and pets.
Pets: This plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
Children: Keep this plant away from small children as the berries and leaves are toxic if chewed or swallowed.
Contact allergens: The sap may cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: There are no notable respiratory allergens associated with this plant.
Edibility: All parts of this plant are toxic if ingested and can cause significant gastrointestinal distress.

How to identify it

Dark green strap-like leaves
Clusters of orange trumpet flowers
Thick fleshy white roots
Fan-shaped leaf arrangement

Height: 0.3 to 0.5m
Spread: 0.3 to 0.6m
Leaves: dark green, evergreen
Flowers: orange, yellow, red, 5 to 8cm
Fruit: red, Late summer

Problems to watch for

MealybugsCommon
Root RotCommon
Fungus GnatsUncommon
Leaf ScorchUncommon
Scale InsectsUncommon
ChlorosisRare

By symptom

Check your kaffir lily from a photo

Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your plant and tells you what's wrong and what to try first.

Growing it

Propagation: division, seed
When to plant: spring, early summer
Overwintering: Move to a cool, bright location with temperatures around 10 to 12 degrees Celsius. Reduce watering significantly during this time to encourage a dormant phase.
In containers: Clivias are excellent container plants, preferring tight pots that restrict their roots to encourage blooming.

Division

1. Carefully remove the plant from its pot.
2. Gently tease apart the offsets from the main clump.
3. Ensure each division has a healthy root system.
4. Pot into a well draining mix.
5. Water sparingly until new growth appears.

Group these with other shade loving plants that prefer consistent, moderate moisture.

Grows well with

Aspidistra — They share similar light and water requirements in shaded garden spots.
Ferns — Ferns provide a lush, textural contrast to the bold, strappy leaves of the Clivia.

Similar species

Clivia nobilis — It has similar growth habits but features drooping, tubular flowers.

Science

Family: Amaryllidaceae
Genus: Clivia
Order: Asparagales
Class: Liliopsida
Native range: South Africa
Conservation: This species is considered vulnerable in its native habitat due to over collection and habitat loss.

It thrives in the deep shade of subtropical forests, relying on its thick, fleshy roots to store water.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: bees, butterflies
Uses: indoor container plant, shaded border plant, cut flower

Through the year

JFMAMJJASOND

Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 5/9
Light: 2/9
Temperature: 6/9
Moisture: 3/9
Nutrients: 4/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Why won't my Clivia bloom?: It likely needs a cooler, drier rest period during the winter months.
How often should I water?: Allow the top half of the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

Where the name comes from

The genus honors Lady Charlotte Clive, while the species name miniata refers to the vermilion color of the flowers.

Good to know

Clivias do not like to be disturbed and bloom best when slightly root bound.
They require a cool, dry rest period in winter to trigger flowering.
The genus was named in honor of Lady Charlotte Clive, Duchess of Northumberland.
They are native to the shaded forest floors of South Africa.

Also in

Keep your kaffir lily growing

This page is a general guide. Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked.

Get the app

This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.