The Natal lily is an underutilized, easy-to-grow houseplant that brightens indoor spaces with eye-catching flowers when little else is blooming indoors or outdoors.
Clivia miniata, or Bush or Natal Lily, is a low-maintenance houseplant that originated in South Africa. Several species of Clivia are native to different regions of South Africa, but Clivia miniata is the most popular species grown in the US. This species became popular in the 1850s in Europe and quickly spread to other areas of the world.
Natal lily produces bright orange flowers indoors in late winter. It is a member of the Amaryllis family. Like amaryllis, it has broad, strap-like leaves that arise from a bulb-like base. Unlike amaryllis, the flowers are smaller and often bright orange with yellowish throats. The trumpet-shaped flowers are showy and clustered near the leaf tips. Selections and hybrids with other South African Clivia species can have yellow, peach, reddish, or cream/white flowers and/or variegated leaves, but the bright orange flowering form is most commonly available.
Care | Dormancy | Repotting & Propagation | Potential Problems | More Information
Light, Water, and Fertilizer
Plants prefer bright, indirect light and perform well in northern, eastern, or western windows with some midday shade. Plants can be grown outside in the summer in shady sites but must be brought indoors before frost.
Clivia prefers to be kept on the dry side. Water only when the top 1-2 inches of the soil is dry. Water well until it drains out the bottom of the container. Plants also tolerate relatively low humidity during the winter months, making them easy houseplants for Midwestern homes.
During the growing season, fertilize plants lightly (1/2 strength) with a soluble fertilizer once a month. Stop all fertilization in late summer and early fall. Overfertilization will lead to leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
Dormancy/Rest
To encourage plants to bloom, Clivia needs a dormancy or rest period. In early fall, allow the plants to dry out. Water only lightly when the leaves begin to wilt. Keep plants in a well-lit, cool location (around 50°F) for 6-8 weeks. After which, slowly water more often and move the plant to a warmer location. Blooming often begins a couple of months later.
Repotting and Propagation
Plants do not need yearly repotting or regular division. In fact, plants prefer to be “pot-bound” or “crowded” in their containers. Repotting into a slightly larger container with highly organic soilless media should happen only every 4-5 years. Plants are propagated almost exclusively via division when repotting. Seeds are slow to mature, germinate, and often take many years to develop into plants big enough to bloom.
Pests and Disease
Natal lilies have few pests or disease problems. Occasionally, mealybugs will hide in leaf bases and, therefore difficult to control. Overwatering can lead to yellow leaves, root rot, and ultimately death.
Plants should be kept out of reach of children and pets, as they are considered potentially toxic.
More Information
- How to Care for Flowering Houseplants
- How to Care for Houseplants
- Indoor Plants (publication)
- Propagating Houseplants
- Diagnosing Houseplant Problems
Reference: Clivia. Susan Mahr. University of Wisconsin, Madison.