Dark green leaves that grow to 2 ft. (60 cm) long, make this native of South Africa an impressive indoor plant, even when it is not in flower. It needs space to grow and should not be moved while the flowers are developing or when they open. The 18 in. (45 cm) flower stalk appears in spring, carrying up to 15 broadly funnel shaped flowers, 3 in. (7 cm) long and scarlet with a yellow throat.

Size: Spread 3 ft. (90 cm).

Light: Indirect sunlight.

Temperature: Normal room. The plant must have a winter rest period of 6—8 weeks at 40—50°F (5—10°C).

Moisture: Keep moist from spring to fall. In winter keep almost dry until the flower stalk appears, then increase watering.

Feeding: Feed with standard liquid fertilizer every two weeks from when the flower stalk is 4~6 in. (10—15 cm) high until fall.

Propagation: Divide, or detach offsets, immediately after flowering, taking care not to damage fleshy roots.

Special needs: Not observing the winter rest period results in short, premature flowers or a shortened flower life. Clivias need repotting only when they have entirely filled their pot and the roots appear on the surface of the soil (every 5—4 years). Remove fruits because these will sap much of the plant’s energy and reduce flowering the following year.