Cape Clivias
Clivia Care
Clivias are indigenous to South Africa, but are grown all over the world. Even South Africa has many contrasting micro-climates and therefore it is important to understand the conditions under which Clivias thrive naturally in order to create a suitable environment for them where you live. Clivia growers create environments for them according to the local weather conditions (including bringing them indoors through the winter to prevent them from succumbing to frost or providing shade-houses for them to prevent them from burning in harsh sunlight conditions). South Africans tend to think of Clivias as garden plants, but as they are able to grow and flower successfully in deep shade conditions, they are treated as indoor house-plants in many places too.
Locating
Clivias grow well in pots and in the garden. They thrive under trees where they will get shade and filtered light throughout the day, and where they will be naturally composted by fallen leaves (as they would be in their natural habitat). They can also be grown indoors when the outside climate is entirely unsuitable.
Watering
Clivias have thick, water-retentive roots, and are therefore drought tolerant, and able to grow amongst tree roots and in competition with other plants. Many growers suggest watering and feeding them well, but it's a good idea to let them dry out a little between watering, and not to leave them with wet feet.
Lighting
One of the amazing qualities of Clivias is their ability to tolerate low levels of light. They will grow in deep shade, but most growers suggest giving the plants a certain amount of sunlight to encourage them to flower well. Early morning sun would be suitable, or filtered light during the day (from trees or shade-cloth) - if there are no trees in the vicinity, 80% shade-cloth is usually a good idea.
Soil
Clivias prefer soil that is slightly acidic, but they seem to get by with almost any type of growing medium. The only important thing is that the growing medium be well-draining so that the plants don't suffer from root rot. Many growers include medium milled pine bark, compost, perlite, vermiculite, coarse sand in various ratios, or premixed clivia/orchid potting soils, but there seem to be as many soil recipes as there are growers. Make sure yours is free draining, and learn to tell how often you need to water according to that mix.