Question
QUESTION: Hi Sir,
 
   I'm thinking of growing Clivia indoor as it is rather shade-tolerant and has nice foliage. However, I read that Clivias need chill conditions to produce blooms and my country does not experience any four seasons, so what's the care required for it?


Regards
Alfredo

ANSWER: Hi Alfredo,

During the winter months Clivias prefer a cool location where temps are in the 45 to 60 degree F. range. However, they will tolerate warmer temps. The cool, dry winter dormant period is what encourages flowering in the late winter. So if you cannot provide temps below 60 F. for a couple of months, then the chances of flowering are diminished.

Clivia does best in bright indirect light - a north or east windowsill is best. It has spectacular flowers and is one of the few flowering plants that will bloom without direct sun. It is related to the Amaryllis.

Another key to flowering is that it must be utterly potbound. Even mature plants are rarely in pots larger than 6 to 7 inches. Use a terra cotta pot to keep it from tipping over.

During the growing season, from February to July, Clivias should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. By August the plant is preparing for dormancy as leaf growth ceases. Gradually decrease the watering frequency so that from October to February, a monthly watering will suffice or just enough to keep the plant from wilting.

Because this plant stays in the same pot for so long, it is important to fertilize it regularly at half-strength from late spring through late August.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

Visit my website at  www.HorticulturalHelp.com





---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi,

  Thanks for great advice. Any reccomendations to stimulate it to bloom under tropical conditions? Can I put ice around it?

Answer
You would need a lot of ice to keep the air temp all around the plant cold enough. Not very practical. Even running an air conditioner on its coldest setting would probably not be adequate. It might be cheaper for you to relocate to a cooler climate! LOL!

~Will