A very graceful looking flowering plant Clivia nobilis is from South Africa, characterised by clusters of red flowers tipped with green.
This is a clump forming plant originating in coastal areas of the Eastern Cape in South Africa. It naturally grows as an understory plant and thrives in dappled shade and well drained soils.
The flowers rise on tall stems in late winter to spring, deep green leathery strap like leaves are tougher that those of Clivia miniata.
This was the first Clivia to be widely grown in Europe, used as an indoor plant and with drooping umbels of flowers it is distinctly different to C. miniata, closer to other species such as C. gardenii and C. cualescens.
It is also used in the breeding of interspecific hybrids, mainly with C. miniata.
How to Grow Clivia Nobilis
Light
As this is an understory plant it requires a position in dappled shade or filtered light.
Soil
Naturally growing in sandy soils a free draining soil or potting mix is essential. In containers make sure the pot has adequate drainage holes. In heavy soils add some extra drainage materials such as perlite, scoria or other rock.
Cliva nobilis with its fleshy roots can survive short dry periods, and in the garden may require no supplementary water at all. It will not tolerate wet soggy soil.
Temperature
A frost free position is essential. The best temperature range is between 60–77F (15-25 C). They will survive lower temperatures but may suffer foliage damage. In cold and wet conditions they will struggle to survive. In higher temperatures that will survive if provided with adequate shade and sone extra water.
For good flowering, Clivia do require lower temperatures during winter, this promotes bud development.
Watering
Water only when the soil begins to dry, hold back on watering during winter, and again immediately after flowering.
Did You Know
Cryptostephanus vansonii along with two other species are closely related to Clivia.
