Water
Allow the top 2-3 cm of soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering significantly in winter, providing just enough to prevent the soil from becoming bone dry.
Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure good drainage.
Also known as Bush Lily · Fire Lily · Scarlet Kaffir Lily
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Clivia miniata, the Natal Lily, is a striking houseplant celebrated for its vibrant orange, trumpet-shaped flowers and evergreen foliage, thriving in shade.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright, indirect light.
50% intensity
Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch leaves.
Allow soil to dry between waterings.
50% intensity
Reduce in winter; avoid waterlogging.
Well-draining potting mix
50% intensity
Average room temperatures (18-24°C).
50% intensity
A cooler period (10-13°C) in winter can induce flowering.
Indoor
50% intensity
Feed during growing season.
50% intensity
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted, and none in winter.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 3/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 3/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Contains lycorine and other alkaloids, which can cause gastrointestinal upset and other symptoms if ingested.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Allow the top 2-3 cm of soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering significantly in winter, providing just enough to prevent the soil from becoming bone dry.
Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure good drainage.
Pruning is minimal for Clivia miniata. Remove spent flower stalks to prevent seed formation and conserve energy. Dead or damaged leaves can be trimmed at their base.
Avoid heavy pruning, as it can stress the plant and hinder future blooms.
Clivia miniata can be propagated by division of offsets (pups) that grow around the base of mature plants, ideally when repotting. Seed propagation is also possible but takes many years to flowering.
Sow seeds fresh in a well-draining mix.
Repot every 3-5 years, or when the plant becomes root-bound. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the previous one. Clivia prefer to be slightly pot-bound, which can encourage blooming.
Use a well-draining potting mix.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Natal Lily (Clivia miniata)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| kingdom | Plantae |
| division | Tracheophyta |
| class | Liliopsida |
| order | Asparagales |
| family | Amaryllidaceae |
| genus | Clivia |
| species | Clivia miniata |
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data