Clivia plants, often called Natal lilies or bush lilies, are popular evergreen houseplants. They are admired for their striking, trumpet-shaped flowers, which emerge in clusters in spring and summer, displaying vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red. These resilient plants are relatively easy to grow indoors, offering a splash of color even in lower light conditions. Propagating your own Clivia plants can be a rewarding experience, expanding your collection or sharing with others.
Preparing for Clivia Propagation
The ideal time for dividing mature Clivia plants is typically after they have finished flowering, often in late winter or early spring. Seed propagation can occur at various times, but harvesting seeds usually happens in late autumn or early winter.
You will need sharp, clean pruning shears or a knife for division, along with pots, a suitable potting mix, and gloves to protect your hands from potential skin irritation from Clivia sap. Sterilizing tools before use prevents disease spread. Wipe tools with isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher) or soak in a 10% bleach solution for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Selecting a healthy, mature parent plant ensures vigorous offspring.
Propagating Clivia by Division
Dividing a Clivia plant is an effective propagation method, especially for mature plants with offsets. Begin by carefully removing the parent plant from its pot. Clivia roots are thick and fleshy, and the plant often becomes root-bound, so this step may require gently squeezing the pot or even using a knife to loosen the root ball from the pot’s edges.
Once the plant is out, gently shake off or wash away excess soil from the roots to expose the offsets and the root structure. Identify the smaller plantlets, or offsets, growing around the base of the main plant. Each offset needs its own roots and leaves for establishment.
You can carefully pull the smaller plants away from the parent clump, or if resistance is met, use a sharp, sterilized knife to cut through the rhizomes connecting them. Separate each division with minimal root damage. Plant each new division into a small pot, choosing one that is just large enough to accommodate its root system, as Clivias prefer to be slightly root-bound. Use a well-draining potting mix, positioning the division so that the base of the leaves is at or slightly above the soil line.
Propagating Clivia from Seed
Propagating Clivia from seed requires more patience than division. Clivia flowers, once pollinated, produce berries that ripen over several months, typically turning orange or red. Harvest these berries when they are fully ripe, usually around 9 months after flowering.
After harvesting, carefully remove the seeds from the berries, discarding the pulp and any membrane surrounding the seeds. Clean the seeds thoroughly, rinsing them in a diluted dishwashing liquid solution or a fungicide to reduce fungal infection risk. Clivia seeds do not require stratification (cold treatment), but should not dry out completely before sowing.
Sow the seeds in a well-draining potting mix, such as a blend of peat, perlite, or vermiculite, or a mix designed for cacti or African violets. Place the seeds on the surface of the moist mix, gently pressing them down so about half of the seed is exposed, with the dark spot facing upwards. Maintain a warm environment, ideally between 70-85°F (21-29°C), and keep the medium consistently moist but not waterlogged. Germination can take several weeks to a few months, and the roots often emerge before the leaves.
Caring for Newly Propagated Clivia Plants
Once Clivia plants are propagated, initial care is important for establishment. Newly potted divisions and young seedlings require consistent moisture; the soil should be kept evenly moist but never saturated to prevent root rot. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Provide newly propagated Clivias with bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight, especially during warmer months, can scorch their leaves. Maintaining a stable temperature, ideally between 70-85°F (21-29°C) for seedlings and 70°F (21°C) or more for divisions during active growth, promotes healthy development. High humidity is not required for Clivias.
Begin fertilizing newly propagated plants only after new growth becomes evident, usually a few weeks to months after potting. A balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer, diluted to half or quarter strength, applied monthly during the growing season, is suitable. Monitor young plants for any signs of pests or diseases, addressing issues promptly. Clivia plants grown from seed can take three to five years to reach flowering size, while divisions may flower sooner, often within one to two years.