Kaffir Lily Plant

Kaffir Lily Plant Care

Clivia miniata

What is the plant

Kaffir Lily is a species that belongs to the genus Clivia of the family Amaryllidaceae. It is a majestic flower, famous because of its rich blooms that appear in spring.

The Kaffir Lily is pretty easy to grow. If you follow the basic instructions, you can keep this plant anywhere – at home, outside, or in a greenhouse. The plant can grow up to 18 in (45 cm) in height in 2-5 years. The leaves are wide and dark green. The gatherings of the flowers grow from the end of a stem. The plant is poisonous to animals, so be careful if you have pets.

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Humidity

Normal

Lighting

Full Sun

Temperature

5°C - 10°C

Hardiness zone

9 - 11

Difficulty

Easy

Toxicity

Poisonous

How to Care for the Plant

Water
During the season of growth, keep the soil slightly moist. Once a week will be enough. Reduce the amount of water in winter to promote flowering.
Pruning
Damaged leaves and stems can be an energy drain on your plant, so regular pruning of your lily is really important. Pick off any dead parts with your hands or sharp, clean shears when needed. This will help the plant obtain healthy leaves and new growth.
Fertilizer
Feed the plant twice a month during spring and summer. Withhold fertilizer in the fall and winter. It will be best to dilute the fertilizer to half the strength indicated in the instructions to avoid the root burn.

Disease diagnosis

Check your plant’s health

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Sunlight
The Kaffir Lily needs bright, indirect sunlight. It will also feel fine in partial shade away from the south-facing windows.
Soil
Opt for fertile, well-draining soil. An ordinary mix containing about 50% of peat will do.
Propagation
You can propagate Kaffir Lily by division. The base of the plant branches into thick roots that are easy to cut apart. Remove the plant from its pot, and wash away the soil with a hose or sink sprayer. Each division should have one fan of leaves. If your plant doesn't have at least a dozen leaves, it won't flower. Collect a rhizome, carefully bringing along the root system connected to a stem. Plant the rhizome in a container filled with soil mix. Water regularly to keep a substrate moist.

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Temperature
The Kaffir Lily will feel best at room temperature, about 60-75˚F (15.5-24˚C). The resting period which happens in the winter requires a temperature drop of about 40-50˚F (4.5-10˚C).
Container
Choose a container that's not too deep, 1-1.5 in (2.5-3 cm) wider than the root ball. A root-bounding pot will encourage blooming. Proper drainage is also required. If your perfect pot doesn't have any holes, you may want to drill a couple with your own hands.
Fun fact
The plant is not a part of the lily family - the common name only signifies its resemblance.