When it comes to their home base, Clivias (or Bush Lilies) can be a little particular. These plants are creatures of habit—they don’t handle frequent moves well, and their needs actually shift quite a bit once winter rolls around. To help your Clivia really thrive and show off those stunning blooms, let’s break down exactly where it wants to live.
Finding the Perfect Spot for Your Clivia
Think of your Clivia as needing two different “homes” throughout the year: one for its active growing season and another for its nap (the dormancy phase). This cycle is the secret sauce for getting those lush, vibrant flowers. The growing season runs from February through September, while the resting period covers the chilly months from October to January.
Where to Keep Your Clivia During the Growing Season
From spring through late summer, your Clivia is happiest in a spot that meets these three criteria:
- Bright, but not baking in the sun
- On the cooler side
- Consistent (no moving it around!)
Clivias love light, but direct sunlight is a no-go—it can actually scorch the leaves, leading to sickly foliage. If you keep yours on a windowsill, be extra careful about that harsh midday sun. They also aren’t fans of high heat; if it gets too toasty, you might notice the leaves turning brown. Ideally, you want to keep the temperature between 60°F and 70°F (15°C–20°C). If you have a shady porch, they actually love spending the summer outdoors in the fresh air!
One pro tip: try not to move or rotate your plant once it’s settled. Clivias can be a bit “grumpy” about change and might even refuse to bloom if they’re moved too often. This is especially true once those flower buds start to form—leave them be!
The Best Spot for Winter Dormancy
To gear up for next year’s flowers, Clivias need a bright, cool “winter vacation.” This rest period is essential. The sweet spot for temperature is between 50°F and 55°F (10°C–12°C). If you don’t have a room that cold, just find the coolest spot in your house. Great options include:
- A cool entryway or stairwell
- A garage with a window
- An unheated sunroom or “three-season” porch
If your winter spot is a bit dim, you can always supplement with a grow light. Just remember to skip the fertilizer entirely during this time and go very easy on the watering.
