Bush lily Clivia miniata
ABOUT
Clivia miniata, commonly known as the bush lily, is an evergreen plant that boasts a lush appearance with dark green, strap-shaped leaves that arch gracefully. These leaves emerge from a rhizomatous base, creating a dense cluster. The most striking feature of the bush lily is its vibrant flowers. The plant produces sturdy stems that rise above the foliage, and on top of these stems, umbels of funnel-shaped, bright orange to red flowers with a yellowish throat appear. The flowers are arranged in a circular cluster and are known for their beauty and long-lasting nature. The blooms tend to make their appearance mainly in late winter to early spring, providing a burst of color when many other plants are still dormant. The bush lily also produces a small, inedible berry-like fruit after flowering, which starts out green and eventually turns to a reddish color as it matures. Overall, the bush lily presents itself with a handsome, neat rosette of leaves and is especially noted for its colorful and showy flowers that attract attention in any setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae.
Synonyms
Bush Lily, Clivia Lily, Fire Lily, Natal Lily, St John's Lily, Kaffir Lily.
Common names
Clivia miniata var. citrina, Clivia miniata var. miniata, Clivia sulphurea.
ToxicityTo humans
The Clivia, or Bush lily, contains small amounts of lycorine and other related alkaloids that are toxic if ingested. If someone eats any part of the Bush lily, they may experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Ingesting large amounts of the plant could potentially lead to more severe reactions, but serious cases of poisoning are rare.
To pets
The Clivia, or Bush lily, is poisonous to pets such as cats and dogs due to lycorine and other alkaloids present in the plant. If a pet ingests parts of a Bush lily, they might display symptoms like drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. While it is considered mildly to moderately toxic, large quantities consumed could lead to more severe symptoms, and veterinary attention would likely be required.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Orange
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- Low Maintenance: Clivia miniata is known for being a low-maintenance plant, requiring minimal care once established.
- Drought Tolerant: It can survive with little water, making it suitable for dry climates or for those who occasionally forget to water their plants.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its lush, dark green leaves and bright orange or red blooms, it adds a vibrant touch of color to any indoor or outdoor space.
- Shade Tolerant: Clivia thrives in shaded areas where other plants might struggle, making it ideal for adding greenery to darker corners of a garden or home.
- Long-Lived: This plant has a long life span, providing beauty and enjoyment for many years.
- Deer Resistant: Its foliage and flowers are not typically favored by deer, which is beneficial for gardeners in areas where deer browsing is a problem.
- Non-Toxic to Pollinators: Safe for bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects, contributing positively to the local ecosystem.
- Can be Propagated Easily: Clivia can be propagated through division, allowing gardeners to create new plants and expand their collection without additional cost.
- Seasonal Interest: It blooms mainly in late winter to early spring, providing color and interest during a season when many plants are dormant.
- Container Friendly: Clivia miniata is well suited for container gardening, allowing for flexibility in placement and easy movement if necessary.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Education: Clivia miniata can be used in botanical education to help students understand plant biology, reproduction, and the diversity of angiosperms.
- Photography: The plant is a popular subject for botanical photography due to its striking orange-to-red flowers and lush foliage.
- Floral Arrangements: The long-lasting flowers of Clivia miniata make it a choice plant for creating tropical-inspired floral arrangements and bouquets.
- Color Dye: Historically, some plants have been used to create natural dyes, and the pigments of Clivia miniata's flowers could potentially be used for dying fabric or other materials.
- Interior Design: This plant is a common feature in interior design schemes that aim to create an exotic or tropical look due to its bright flowers and evergreen leaves.
- Feng Shui: In some Asian cultures, Clivia miniata may be used in feng shui practices to introduce elements of color and life, which are said to enhance positive energy in a room.
- Cultural Symbols: In certain regions or among specific groups, Clivia miniata may hold cultural significance or be used in ceremonial or traditional practices.
- Holiday Decor: During blooming seasons, the plant can add natural beauty to holiday décor, particularly in winter months when its flowers brighten indoor settings.
- Collectibles: Clivia miniata cultivars with unique patterns or colors are often sought after by plant enthusiasts and collectors, contributing to horticultural hobby communities.
- Art Inspiration: Artists may use Clivia miniata as inspiration for paintings, illustrations, and other forms of artwork, captivated by its vibrant blooms and attractive foliage.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiClivia, also known as bush lily, can be used in Feng Shui to bring a bright and positive energy into a home due to its vibrant flowers. It is best placed in areas where you wish to increase the energy flow or in 'wood' areas of your home to enhance growth and vitality.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe bush lily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Good Fortune: Clivia miniata, commonly known as bush lily, is often associated with good luck, especially in Eastern cultures where the color orange is considered auspicious.
- Persistence: The bush lily's ability to thrive with minimal care symbolizes endurance and the ability to withstand tough conditions.
- Beauty and Elegance: With its graceful, trumpet-shaped flowers and lush, green foliage, Clivia miniata represents natural beauty and sophistication.
- Springtime: As bush lilies typically bloom in the spring, they are associated with the vitality and renewal that the season represents.
- New Beginnings: The blooming cycle of the bush lily, which comes after a period of winter rest, can symbolize fresh starts and new opportunities.
WaterBush lily should be watered thoroughly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Typically, this means watering every 7 to 10 days, but this can vary depending on the temperature and humidity of your environment. When watering, apply about 8 to 16 ounces of water for a standard 6-inch pot, ensuring that excess water drains out. During the winter months, reduce watering to every 2 to 3 weeks to mimic the plant's natural dormant period. Pay extra attention to moisture levels in the potting mix rather than sticking to a rigid schedule.
LightThe bush lily thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and should be placed in a location that avoids direct afternoon sun, which can scorch its leaves. An east or north-facing window is ideal, providing the filtered light this plant needs to grow well while protecting it from the harsh midday sun. If you only have a south-facing window, position the bush lily a few feet away from the window or use a sheer curtain to diffuse the light.
TemperatureBush lilies prefer a temperature range between 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit but can tolerate temperatures as low as 35 degrees and as high as 90 degrees for short periods. The ideal growing conditions would be in a room that maintains a consistent temperature, avoiding cold drafts and sudden temperature changes. Ensure the plant is not placed near heating vents or air conditioning units that could create temperature fluctuations.
PruningPruning the bush lily is not necessary for the health of the plant, but spent flower stalks should be removed after blooming to direct energy back to the foliage. Dead or yellowing leaves can also be cut back to the base to keep the plant tidy. The best time for pruning is after the flowering period, usually in late spring or early summer, when the plant begins to enter a resting phase.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBush Lily thrives in well-draining, rich potting mix with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. A good soil recipe includes two parts peat moss or coco coir, one part perlite, and one part fine bark to ensure proper drainage and aeration.
RepottingBush Lilies should be repotted every 2-3 years, primarily when the pot becomes crowded with roots or when the soil is exhausted. They prefer to be somewhat root-bound, so choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one.
Humidity & MistingBush Lily fares well in average household humidity levels but prefers higher humidity when possible. Aim for humidity levels around 40-60% for optimal growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Bush Lily in bright, indirect light indoors, away from direct sun.
Outdoor
Grow Bush Lily in dappled shade outdoors, sheltered from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleClivia miniata, commonly known as bush lily, begins its life cycle when the seed germinates in well-draining soil, which can take several weeks to months. The resulting seedlings grow a single leaf and over a few years develop into a rosette of dark green, strap-like leaves. Over time, the bush lily forms a thick rhizome and once mature, typically after 3-5 years, will produce a sturdy stem that holds a cluster of trumpet-shaped, bright orange flowers with a yellow throat, blooming mainly in late winter to early spring. After flowering, if pollinated, the plant will produce green berries that turn red as they mature, containing seeds for the next generation. As a perennial, the bush lily will continue to grow and bloom annually. To maintain health and vigor, older leaves will die back and can be removed, while division of the plant may be necessary every few years to rejuvenate crowded clusters and to propagate new plants.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter-early spring
Propogation: Clivia miniata, commonly known as the bush lily, is typically propagated through division, a method best performed every few years and ideally in late winter or early spring just before the plant begins its active growing period. To propagate a bush lily by division, carefully remove the plant from its pot and clear away excess soil to reveal the base where offsets, which are small shoots that sprout from the main plant, are located. Gently separate these offsets from the parent plant, taking care to include their roots. These small plants can then be potted into their own containers, using a well-draining potting mix suited for Clivia, which should be kept slightly moist. The new pots should be placed in a location out of direct sunlight, where they can gradually acclimate to their new environment. After a few weeks to a month, when signs of growth indicate that the offsets have settled in well, care can slowly be adjusted to match that of mature Clivia plants.
