Info on Clivia

I was recently given a Clivia plant and I have never cared for one before. What is the culture of the plant and what do I do to make it flower??

Thanks!

I grow mine in filtered shade, fast draining soil, lots of water and it blooms when it feels like it.... It prefers cool to hot, from what I understand...and mine do beautifully here in the warm.

Carol

Well, since you live in Maine, you will have to grow it a little differently! LOL
I have had one for several years, and it has grown larger and larger and presented me with "pups", but the last year has been a struggle. I have learned that you do not mist a clivia. It will start to rot in the center. I don't know how they live outside with the rain. Go figure.
So,with that in mind: Well drained soil and keep it a little on the dry side in its pot. Don't water until it needs it - check the soil with your finger first. Likes high light but no direct sun. I set mine outside under the port-a-cachere in the summer time. It doesn't get any rain there. When the temps start to cool down I bring it in. I get reliable blooming when I let it dry out for a couple of months after the cool down. You'll see the flower head start to pop up in the middle of the plant, where the leaves come together. Start giving it some water and a little fertilizer then.
If you google clivia, there is some excellent information out there.

Thank you for that information. It is very helpful. I will google.

I have heard of them growing epiphytically so have mounted one up on a plaque and have it growing out. The roots are much like a orchids or anthuriums so I am guessing it can grow in the crotches of trees in the jungles. I have had one mounted up on for about 1 year now under mist. I hope to get some large leaves on it and maybe get it to bloom this season. It should look very interesting as most people never see them grown this way.

nerakjh,
I am also in zone 5A, also- and have had my Clivia for 6 years. It is huge now, very shrublike. I have taken several pups off over the years.
It's a wonderful houseplant-does like bright light-no direct sun needed.
I put it outdoors in the shade in the summer(late May thru September)
It tolerates low light thru the winter, but blooms better in Feb/Mar. indoors with close proximity to flourescent lighting.
Definitely go light on water thru winter time. I only water lightly once a month or so Oct thru March.
The main growth occurs thru summer months, outdoors in the shade. It also blooms 3-4 times during it's outdoor time. I leave it in the pot, until the root system fills the pot. It has large white roots that can split the pot when they get big enough. I hope you enjoy yours as much as I enjoy mine.
DeannaV

Deanna - Your Clivia blooms during the summer while it is outdoors? And again in Feb/Mar? Wow!!! Mine only blooms in Jan/Feb after the cool down/dry period.

ceejay,
Yes, indeed! do you suppose the zone difference(i'm 5A) has anything to do with it?
While outside, I water and fertilize it right along with all my other perennials/Annuals.
Go figure. I sure don't claim to be any Clivia expert-just telling you all how mine acts.
I would love to hear from any Clivia "Gurus" out there!
Deanna