Coming forward its flower, Bush lily decorates mostly indoors such as conservatory, closed places, and so forth. Except for its common name, it has local names such as kaffir lily and natal lily. Also, its scientific name is Clivia miniata. This plant belongs to the group of Clivia and is a member of the family “Amargllidaceae”. Its native area is South Africa. But it is now everywhere thanks to its cultivars.
General information
Bush lily typically has dark green, thick, strap-like foliage with leathery texture and usually clusters of orange flowers. Its flowers are too delicate because any move could hurt them. The flowers of this houseplant have yellow, orange, and reddish petals. Also, the stamens of the flower are yellow in general. It usually blooms in early spring. Although its flowering takes 2 – 5 years, the flower lasts for a couple of days. After dying, it should be taken from its bud. IT is one of the evergreen perennials like Poison primrose and ZZ Plant. Also, its height could reach up to 18 inches (5,5 m). More importantly, it is a toxic plant due to bearing the poisonous chemical known as Lycorine.
How to Care for Clivia miniata
Sunlight
Plants getting scattered light from the source grow better than ones getting the light directly. Direct sunlight exposure causes browning on leaf tips and edges. For that reason, sheltered places and semi-shade spots are ideal for such plants as Bush lily.
Watering
This plant tolerates the dryness to a certain degree. To water this houseplant correctly, you should wait until the potting soil becomes slightly dry between waterings. This way, overwatering and underwatering couldn’t be a problem.
Humidity
The room conditions are enough for such plants. For extra, you can mist it every day with a water spray.
Temperature
60°F – 75°F (15,5°C – 24°C) is an optimal temperature range for this plant. Specifically, the temperature shouldn’t get down to 40°F (4,5°C). According to the USDA plant hardiness map, it may grow better in zones 9 – 10.
Soil Type
Any organic and well-mixed soil works well. Also, the potting soil should be well-draining.
Planter Type
Medium container plants and garden beds are good places for this flowering plant. For indoors, you may think of animal planters. Also, you can use simple soda can planters.
Fertilizer
There are some fertilizers types, for example, granular, liquid, slow-releasing, and quick-releasing. Comfortably, you may feed Bush lily monthly with a water-soluble fertilizer in its growing season.
Propagation
You may propagate this plant both starting from seeds and division. Starting from seeds is a long-term process. After the flowers are gone, the division is a shortcut.
Repotting
Outgrown plants, crippled pots, tangled roots, and root bounds require such work. Before transplanting it, flowers mustn’t be on the stems because this houseplant’s flowers are fussy and delicate.
Common Problems
Soil salinity: Overfertilizering is one of the most common reasons. Once a lack of water is also added to this case, salt crystals will be more visible on the potting soil.
Root rot: Overwatering causes this problem in general. Too much water rushes suddenly down to the roots. Roots can’t convey the extra water, and the stagnant water rots roots.
Pest infestation: There are some bugs to get trouble to Bush lily. Here, they are mealybugs, red spiders, mites, aphids, whiteflies, and so forth. They invade the plant when dehydrated conditions occur.
Suggestions for problems
To solve the soil salinity problem, you should wash or change the potting soil. Then it takes necessary water and fertilizer in time. To prevent root rot, you should stick to the watering routine. When it comes to pest infestation, alcohol-based wipes, neem oils, and pesticides protect the plant against such bugs.
Suggestions for the beginners
Leaving the plant under bare sunlight is one of the common mistakes. For that reason, you should find such a good place that the plant mustn’t enter the shock. Generally, this problem shows itself with leaf drops.
