Clivias aren’t exactly fans of the frost, but here’s the kicker: they actually *need* a chilly spot to thrive during the winter. If you want those stunning blooms next season, you’ve got to give them a proper winter break. Let’s dive into how to set up the perfect winter home for your Clivia and what it needs to stay happy.
Where should you overwinter your Clivia?
First things first: never leave your Clivia outside all winter. Even though they can handle a very brief dip in temperature, they won’t survive a real freeze. That said, they don’t want to be toasty warm either. They need a cool, unheated spot where the temperature stays between 50°F and 54°F (10°C–12°C). Great options include:
- Hallways or stairwells
- Basements
- Unheated sunrooms or conservatories
- Garages
If your chosen spot is a bit dark, don’t worry—you can always use a grow light or a simple fluorescent bulb to help them out. If you absolutely don’t have a cool room available, your best bet is to cut back on watering almost entirely during the winter months.
Why does a Clivia need a cold snap?
Think of winter as “nap time” for your Clivia. This dormant phase lasts about four months and is absolutely essential for flower production. If your plant doesn’t get this period of rest in the cold, it likely won’t bloom at all next year. No rest, no flowers!
When should you move your Clivia to its winter quarters?
You’ll want to move your Clivia to its winter home in October and keep it there until the end of January. Consistency is key here—keeping the environment stable helps the plant navigate its dormancy successfully. It needs at least two months of those cool 50°F temps to reset, though giving it the full four months is definitely the gold standard.
How do you care for a Clivia during its winter nap?
Even though it’s resting, your Clivia still needs a little drink now and then—just nowhere near as much as it does in the summer. Scale back your watering significantly; you just want to give it enough so the plant doesn’t completely dry out.
As for fertilizer, put it away for the season. Feeding your Clivia during its winter break can actually do more harm than good. Wait until you move it back to its regular sunny spot in the spring to start fertilizing again. The same goes for repotting—hold off on any big moves until the dormant phase is officially over.
