The Bush Lily (Clivia miniata) is a popular houseplant known for its vibrant flowers and robust, evergreen foliage. Originating from the woodlands of South Africa, this plant brings exotic beauty to indoor spaces, making it a favored choice among plant enthusiasts. Its straightforward care contributes to its widespread appeal.
Essential Bush Lily Care
Light Requirements
Bush lilies thrive in bright, indirect light, mimicking their natural woodland habitat. Placing them in a north-facing window or an east or west-facing window with some shading is ideal. Direct sunlight, particularly during summer, can scorch their leaves. Insufficient light hinders flowering, resulting in a plant that primarily produces foliage.
Watering Practices
Bush lilies prefer to be on the drier side. During the active growing season (spring through summer), water thoroughly when the top inch or two of the soil feels dry. Allow excess water to drain completely from the pot to prevent root rot. During the dormant winter months, reduce watering significantly, providing just enough moisture to prevent the leaves from wilting.
Soil Mix
Bush lilies need a well-draining and aerated soil mix to prevent waterlogging. A quality potting mix that includes organic matter, such as peat moss or fir bark, is suitable. A gritty mix containing components like bark, perlite, or sand also ensures excellent drainage. The plant’s fleshy roots are susceptible to rot in dense, poorly draining soil.
Temperature and Humidity
Bush lilies prefer moderate indoor temperatures, ranging from 60°F to 75°F (16°C to 24°C) during their active growth. They are sensitive to cold and should not be exposed to temperatures below 50°F (10°C), as frost can cause damage. Average household humidity levels (around 40-50%) are sufficient, and misting is not necessary. Keep plants away from cold drafts and heat sources like radiators.
Fertilization Schedule
Bush lilies do not require heavy fertilization, as they are efficient in nutrient uptake. During the growing season (spring to late summer), apply a balanced liquid fertilizer, such as a 20-20-20 formula, diluted to half strength every two to four weeks. Over-fertilization can lead to salt buildup in the soil and harm the plant. Cease fertilization entirely during the fall and winter months when the plant enters its dormant phase.
Encouraging Abundant Blooms
To encourage a bush lily to produce its vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers, a specific cool, dry rest period is required. From late fall through early winter (about 6 to 8 weeks), move the plant to a cooler location where temperatures are consistently between 50-55°F (10-13°C). During this time, significantly reduce watering to prevent wilting, and withhold all fertilizer. This period mimics the plant’s natural winter conditions and is essential for initiating flower bud development.
Once the cool rest period concludes and a flower stalk becomes visible, gradually increase watering and return the plant to its warmer, regular growing conditions. This shift stimulates the plant to push out its blooms, which appear within 6 to 12 weeks after the rest period ends. Plants that do not receive this cool dormancy period may fail to bloom, or their flowering may be delayed. Ensuring the plant is well-established and slightly root-bound also contributes to more reliable flowering.
Repotting Bush Lilies
Bush lilies prefer to be pot-bound, and frequent repotting can hinder their flowering. Repotting is necessary only every three to five years, or when the roots begin to emerge from the drainage holes. The best time to repot is in early spring, after the plant has finished flowering. Select a pot that is only one or two inches larger in diameter than the previous one, as overly large pots can lead to excess moisture and root issues.
Carefully remove the plant from its current container, taking care not to damage the fleshy roots. If the roots are dense, gentle untangling or washing away of old soil may be helpful. Place the plant in the new pot, ensuring the neck of the rhizome is just above the soil level, and backfill with fresh, well-draining potting mix. Water thoroughly after repotting to settle the soil around the roots.
Propagating Bush Lilies
Propagating bush lilies can be achieved through two primary methods: division of offsets or growing from seed. Division is preferred for quicker results. Offsets, or “pups,” are small plantlets that develop from the parent plant’s rhizomes. These can be carefully separated from the mother plant, ideally in spring, once they have developed at least three or four leaves and their own root system.
After separating an offset, allow the cut surface to dry and callous for a day before planting it into a small pot filled with well-draining soil. Keep the newly potted offset in bright, indirect light and water sparingly until new growth indicates establishment. While division yields mature plants more quickly, growing bush lilies from seed is a slower process, as it can take three to five years for seedlings to reach flowering maturity. Fresh seeds can also result in variations in flower color from the parent plant.
Troubleshooting Common Bush Lily Issues
Yellowing leaves on a bush lily can indicate overwatering, especially if the soil remains consistently soggy. Allowing the soil to dry out between waterings and ensuring proper drainage can resolve this. A lack of blooms is a common concern and is due to the absence of a cool, dry rest period during winter. Adjusting watering and temperature during this dormancy phase encourages flowering.
Pest issues are infrequent, but bush lilies can be affected by mealybugs, scale insects, or mites. Inspecting the plant regularly, particularly in the tight spaces between leaves, helps detect infestations early. Addressing these pests with appropriate horticultural treatments can prevent significant damage. If leaves show vertical splitting, it suggests the plant needs more light.