Hello! I am a Clivia, a proud member of the Amaryllis family, hailing from the shaded forest floors of South Africa. To truly thrive with you indoors, I need an environment that mimics my natural home. This means I prefer bright, indirect light. A spot near an east-facing window is my absolute favorite, as I can bask in the gentle morning sun. Please, never place me in harsh, direct afternoon sunlight—it will scorch my beautiful, strap-like leaves, leaving unsightly brown marks. I am not a fan of extreme temperatures; a comfortable room temperature between 60-75°F (15-24°C) is perfect. I also appreciate a slight drop in temperature at night, which helps trigger my flowering process.
My relationship with water is one of the most important aspects of my care. I have thick, fleshy roots that store water, making me quite drought-tolerant. The golden rule is to err on the side of underwatering rather than overwatering. I despise having my roots constantly sitting in soggy soil; it will quickly lead to root rot, which is often fatal for me. Please water me deeply only when the top two inches of my soil feel completely dry to the touch. In the summer, this might be weekly, but in the winter, when I am resting, I may only need water once a month or less. Always ensure any excess water can drain freely from my pot.
To grow strong and potentially reward you with my spectacular cluster of trumpet-shaped flowers, I need proper nutrition. During my active growing season in spring and summer, you can feed me a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength, once a month. However, I require a crucial period of rest in the fall and early winter. For about 6-8 weeks, typically from late October, I need to be kept in a cool spot (around 50°F or 10°C) with very little water and no fertilizer at all. This dormant period is non-negotiable; it is how I gather the energy to produce my magnificent flower stalk.
I am a bit of a unique case when it comes to repotting. Unlike many plants, I actually prefer to be slightly pot-bound. This encourages me to focus my energy on flowering. You will only need to repot me every 3-5 years, or when you see my roots pushing vigorously against the pot or popping out of the soil. When you do repot me, choose a pot that is only slightly larger than my current one. Be extremely gentle with my thick, brittle roots, as they break easily. Use a well-draining potting mix, ideally one formulated for orchids or one that is peat-based with added perlite for excellent drainage.
