Bush lily Clivia miniata 'Aurea'
ABOUT
Clivia miniata 'Aurea', commonly known as the Yellow Clivia, is an evergreen perennial plant recognized for its striking flowers and glossy foliage. The plant sports a vibrant cluster of trumpet-shaped yellow blooms that are bunched together on a sturdy stem, creating a showy floral display. The flowers exude a soft and pleasant fragrance, enhancing their ornamental appeal. Below the blooms, the Yellow Clivia has long, dark green, strap-like leaves that arch outward gracefully from the center of the plant base. The leaves are smooth with a leathery texture, adding to the lush appearance of the plant. This variety of Clivia has a bold and striking appearance that makes it a popular choice for indoor and shaded garden settings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae.
Synonyms
Bush Lily, Clivia, Kaffir Lily, Fire Lily, Natal Lily, St John’s Lily.
Common names
Clivia miniata 'Aurea'.
ToxicityTo humans
Clivia miniata, commonly known as bush lily, contains small amounts of lycorine and other alkaloids which are toxic to humans. If ingested, the plant can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, ingestion could lead to salivation, difficulty in swallowing, dizziness, and in rare instances, cardiovascular collapse. Handling the plant may also cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
To pets
Bush lily is toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. It contains alkaloids such as lycorine, which, if ingested, could result in symptoms like drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, ingestion could lead to anorexia, tremors, or cardiac arrhythmias. Pet owners should prevent their animals from chewing on or consuming any part of this plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to Care For: Clivia miniata 'Aurea', commonly known as Bush Lily, is relatively low-maintenance and does not require frequent watering or complex care routines.
- Ornamental Appeal: With its striking yellow flowers and glossy green leaves, Bush Lily is highly valued for its aesthetic contribution to indoor and outdoor spaces.
- Drought Tolerant: The plant is able to withstand periods of dryness, making it suitable for environments with water restrictions or for caretakers who may occasionally neglect watering.
- Shade Tolerant: Bush Lily thrives in shaded or partially shaded areas, where many flowering plants may not perform well, allowing for versatile placement within gardens or homes.
- Long Blooming Period: The plant typically has a long flowering season, often providing colorful blooms for several weeks, which can be especially enjoyable during late winter or early spring.
- Toxic to Pets: It should be noted that Clivia miniata 'Aurea' is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, which is a consideration for pet owners but may also be seen as a deterrent for pests.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Prop: Clivia is often used as a subject in macro photography and fine art photography due to its vibrant blooms and striking aesthetic.
- Gift Plant: Due to its attractive flowers and low maintenance, Clivia is popular as a potted gift for occasions such as housewarmings or as a mother's day plant.
- Educational Specimen: Clivia can serve as an educational tool in botany classes for demonstrating plant anatomy and reproductive processes.
- Cultural Symbol: In some cultures, Clivia may be used during festivals or celebrations as a symbol of spring and renewal.
- Interior Design: Designers use Clivia as a live decorative element in homes or businesses for its splash of color and texture.
- Collector's Item: Certain varieties of Clivia, with unique or particularly beautiful coloring, can become a collector’s item for enthusiasts.
- Feng Shui Plant: In Feng Shui, Clivia is sometimes utilized to introduce a fire element to an environment, without the risks associated with actual flames.
- Art Projects: Dried Clivia flowers or leaves can be incorporated into various art projects, such as inclusions in resin tabletops or ornaments.
- Color Inspiration: The vibrant colors of the Clivia flowers can inspire artists and designers in their work, leading to color palettes for various projects.
- Stage Decoration: The striking appearance of Clivia makes it a good candidate for dressing sets in theater productions or during indoor photography shoots.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Bush Lily is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Bush Lily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Beauty and Elegance: Clivia miniata 'Aurea', commonly known as Bush Lily, is often associated with beauty and elegance due to its striking yellow or orange flowers and lush green foliage.
- Survival and Resilience: Bush Lily is known for its ability to thrive in shady conditions and with minimal water, symbolizing survival and resilience in adverse conditions.
- Pride and Joy: As a plant that is often passed on through generations, the Bush Lily can represent pride and joy in familial heritage and the beauty of shared traditions.
- Good Fortune: In some cultures, the Bush Lily is believed to bring good fortune and prosperity to a household, making it a popular gift in such contexts.
- Renewal and Fresh Beginnings: With its perennial nature and recurring blooms, Bush Lily signifies renewal and fresh starts, symbolizing hope for new ventures or recovery from difficulties.
WaterBush lily (Clivia miniata 'Aurea') thrives with careful watering practices. It prefers to dry out slightly between waterings. Generally, checking the moisture level once a week and watering if the top inch of soil feels dry is sufficient. The amount needed will fluctuate with the seasons; during active growth in spring and summer, it may require up to 1 gallon every 7 to 10 days, but less in the dormant period of fall and winter. Ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot, as the bush lily does not tolerate standing water.
LightBush lilies prefer bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions. The ideal spot is a north-facing window or a location with filtered light from a south or west-facing window. Direct sunlight, particularly during the hot midday hours, should be avoided as it can scorch the leaves.
TemperatureBush lilies thrive in a temperature range between 60°F and 75°F, which are typical indoor temperatures. They can withstand a minimum temperature of around 50°F but should not be exposed to temperatures below 35°F, as frost can be detrimental. The ideal growing condition involves cooler temperatures, around 40-55°F, during their dormant period in the winter to encourage spring blooming.
PruningBush lilies do not require frequent pruning. Prune to remove dead or yellowing leaves, and spent flower stalks to encourage healthy growth and improve appearance. The best time to prune is after flowering and during active growth. Pruning is typically done on an as-needed basis, not more than once or twice a year.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Bush Lilly (Clivia miniata 'Aurea') is a loose, well-draining potting medium. A mixture of two parts peat or coconut coir, one part perlite, and one part pine bark is suitable. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, around 5.5 to 6.5.
RepottingBush Lilly should be repotted every 3-4 years, or when it has outgrown its current pot. Early spring, just before the growth season, is the ideal time for repotting.
Humidity & MistingBush Lilly thrives in moderate humidity, ideally between 40-60%. It's essential to maintain consistent humidity without fluctuations for optimal growth and health.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light and avoid direct sun.
Outdoor
Place in partial shade, protect from afternoon sun.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleClivia miniata 'Aurea', commonly known as Yellow Clivia, begins its life cycle as a seed, which once sown, germinates to produce a small bulb-like structure, or rhizome. As the plant grows, strap-shaped green leaves emerge in a fan-like arrangement from the rhizome, forming an evergreen clump. Over time, the clump expands as the plant matures and the rhizome grows larger. Once matured, usually after a few years, the Yellow Clivia produces tall stalks bearing umbels of trumpet-shaped, typically yellow flowers, which are a defining characteristic of the 'Aurea' cultivar. After the flowering period, if pollination occurs, the plant may produce berry-like fruit containing seeds, which can be harvested for propagation. The plant will then enter a period of dormancy, particularly in cooler climates, before resuming growth and repeating its cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Clivia miniata 'Aurea', commonly known as the Yellow Clivia, is best propagated through division, typically done in late winter or early spring. This method involves carefully separating the offsets or "pups" from the mother plant. These offsets, which are miniature plants that have their own roots, are usually found at the base of the parent plant. To propagate, one should unpot the Clivia and gently tease apart the pups from the main root ball, ensuring that each offset has a portion of the roots. The separated pups can then be potted individually in well-draining soil and cared for as mature plants. It's important to not water the freshly potted pups excessively to prevent root rot; a light moisture level is sufficient to encourage new growth.
