Photo: Joss CarrCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Clivia Lily Plant Care
Clivia miniata (Lindl.) Bosse
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Clivia miniata, the Natal lily or bush lily, is a species of flowering plant in the genus Clivia of the family Amaryllidaceae, native to woodland habitats in South Africa and Eswatini. It is also widely cultivated as an ornamental.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light
60–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Clivia Lily?
Water Clivia Lily every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. The ASPCA lists it as toxic to cats and dogs, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Clivia Lily Native To?
What Is the Clivia Lily?
Clivia Lily (Clivia miniata) belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family within the Clivia genus. Clivia Lily is native to woodland habitats in South Africa and Eswatini. Clivia Lily is also known as Natal Lily, Kaffir Lily, Bush Lily.
Clivia Lily displays a clumping perennial with strap-like leaves growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Clivia Lily produces clusters of trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of orange, red, or yellow.
Leaf size: approximately 18 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Clivia Lily?
Clivia miniata requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Clivia Lily Need?
Clivia Lily thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Clivia Lily in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Clivia Lily Prefer?
Clivia miniata grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Clivia Lily prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Clivia Lily?
Well-draining, rich potting mix with added perlite for aeration. Good drainage is essential for Clivia Lily to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Clivia Lily?
Feed Clivia Lily every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Clivia Lily?
Repot every 2-3 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Clivia Lily?
Clivia Lily can be propagated through division of offsets, seeds.
Is the Clivia Lily Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic to cats and dogs
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant list. View the ASPCA entry
Toxic to cats and dogs, can cause vomiting and diarrhea if ingested
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Clivia Lily?
Clivia Lily is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Clivia Lily Need?
Clivia Lily grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Clivia Lily is native to woodland habitats in South Africa and Eswatini. In cooler regions, grow Clivia Lily as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Clivia Lily is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Clivia genus — compare its care with other Clivia species on PlantoScan.
Clivia is part of the Amaryllidaceae plant family — browse all Amaryllidaceae genera and species.
Clivia Lily thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Clivia miniata (Lindl.) Bosse, family Amaryllidaceae (first published in Nursery Cat. (Ambroise Verschaffelt) 64: 2 (1857-1858 publ. 1857)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: The ASPCA lists Clivia Lily as toxic to cats and dogs. Source: ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List.
- Photo: Joss Carr, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9b – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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