Clivia miniata also “Kaffir lily”
grows from a thick rooted bulb. It is a species of flowering plant in the genus
Clivia of the family Amaryllidaceae, native, growing in woodland habitats. It
looks something like the more familiar amaryllis, to which it is related, but I
think it is prettier and its clusters of orange, red or gold flowers more
subtle than the huge amaryllis flowers. Flowers can appear any time from
December to April, however mostly appears in March. The flowers are rising on
18-inch stalks from the tidy, dark green, strap like leaves and opening over a
period of several weeks. Most plants get about 2 feet tall but there are more
compact varieties.
Moreover, Clivia’s are very easy
to grow plants once you understand them. They will take morning or late
afternoon sun, but too much midday sun will scorch the leaves. Hence bright
indirect light all is best. Give them average room temperature and humidity by
day, but cool temperatures at night if possible. During the dormant period
before bloom, a temperature of 50 to 55 day and night will help to induce
bloom. Clivia’s like an organic soil like that used for African violets and
need to be pot-bound in order to flower. Clivias don’t appreciate root
disturbances; however, repotting can be done every three to five years in spring
once the flowers have faded.
Repot only when the roots are
crawling out of the top of the pot. A heavy pot is often necessary to keep them
from tipping over. In the spring and summer season you need to keep the plants
evenly moist, fertilizing every two weeks. A summer outdoors in filtered sun
will do your Clivias well. Also, bring them in before frost, and stop feeding
them. Starting around thanks giving, give them little no water, and if possible
keep them in a cool room that gets no light in the evening. When a flower stalk
emerges, bring the plant into a warm, light place and start feeding and watering
it again. Moreover, plants may be propagated by removing and replanting side
bulbs in spring when new growth starts. 
