From my perspective as a Clivia, winter is not a time of death, but a period of crucial rest. This is my dormancy phase. After spending the spring and summer growing leaves and storing energy, I need a cool, quiet period to initiate the development of my flower spike. Without this period of rest, I may not have the energy or signal to produce my beautiful bloom cluster in the spring. Think of it as my long, deep sleep to prepare for the grand performance to come.
The most important gift you can give me in winter is a cool location. I thrive in temperatures between 50-55°F (10-13°C) for approximately 6-8 weeks. A slightly chilly but frost-free sunroom, a cool bedroom, or even a bright garage window are ideal spots. Please keep me away from blasts of hot, dry air from heating vents or radiators, as this artificial heat disrupts my natural cycle and confuses me, potentially preventing my flowering process entirely.
As my growth has nearly halted, my water needs are minimal. Overwatering is the greatest threat to my well-being during this season. You should water me only when the top few inches of my soil are completely dry to the touch. This might mean watering only once a month or even less. My thick, fleshy roots are designed to store water, and I am far more tolerant of drought than of soggy conditions, which will quickly cause my roots to rot.
Please, do not feed me any fertilizer during the winter months. I am not actively growing foliage or roots, so I have no use for the extra nutrients. Fertilizing me now would only serve to stress my system, potentially damaging my roots and disrupting my delicate dormancy. My stored energy from the previous growing season is all I need to survive the winter and prepare for blooming.
Even though I am resting, I still require bright, indirect light to stay healthy. A north or east-facing window is perfect. The weak winter sun will not scorch my leaves but will provide just enough energy to sustain me. This light is also a key environmental cue, working in tandem with the cooler temperatures to signal that it is time for me to begin forming my flower bud deep within my base.
Your careful observation is key. Once you notice my flower stalk beginning to emerge from between my leaves, usually in late winter or early spring, you can gradually end my dormancy. Slowly increase my watering frequency and move me to a slightly warmer location. Once the stalk is a few inches tall, you can resume a regular watering schedule and begin a monthly feeding with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer to support the development of my bloom.
