Grow Light for Clivia: Filtered Bright Light plus a Cool Winter
A grow light for clivia gives this South African bulb the filtered bright light it needs when windows fall short. Clivia scorches in direct sun, so a lamp at a set distance is a steady option indoors.
The short answer
UF/IFAS notes clivia needs filtered bright light plus scorches in direct sunlight. NC State notes morning sun suits it as a houseplant. Set plant tips 6 to 12 inches from the lamp per Missouri. To bloom, UF/IFAS advises a cool, shady spot plus drier soil over winter.
How much light does clivia need?
NC State Extension notes clivia takes dappled sun to deep shade in the tropics. Morning sun suits it indoors in North Carolina. University of Maryland Extension puts medium light at 100 to 500 footcandles.
| Item | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Filtered bright, no direct sun | UF/IFAS |
| Lamp distance | 6 to 12 inches from tips | Missouri |
| Daily light | No more than 16 hours | Maryland |
| Winter rest | A month or two | NC State |
| Rest night temperature | Below 50 degrees F | NC State |
Source: UF/IFAS, NC State Extension, University of Missouri Extension plus University of Maryland Extension.
Why won’t my clivia bloom under a lamp?
NC State notes a potted clivia flowers well after a rest of a month or two with nights below 50 degrees F. UF/IFAS advises letting it dry out over winter. Young plants take a few years to bloom, both note.
What pot plus mix suit clivia?
UF/IFAS notes the thick roots need air plus advises a coarse, well drained mix such as an orchid mix. NC State notes clivia likes being rootbound plus can stay in one pot up to five years.
How to: step by step
- Set clivia in a coarse, well drained mix.
- Place the lamp 6 to 12 inches from the tips.
- Run it no more than 16 hours a day.
- Water early in the day.
- Give it a cool winter spot.
- Let it dry out for a month or two.
Troubleshooting
Pale scorched leaves: too much direct light. UF/IFAS notes clivia scorches in direct sun.
No flowers: no winter rest. NC State notes it flowers after cool nights below 50 degrees F.
Rotting crown: overwatering. NC State notes it causes crown rot.
For lighting see grow lights for cannabis plus led light distance cannabis. Read grow light timers plus cannabis seeds. Kind Seed Co also stocks cannabis seeds.
Sources
- Clivia, UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions
- Clivia miniata (bush lily), NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Lighting for indoor plants, University of Maryland Extension
- Lighting indoor houseplants (G6515), University of Missouri Extension
FAQ
Can clivia take direct light?
UF/IFAS notes clivia needs filtered bright light plus scorches in direct sunlight. NC State Extension notes morning sun suits it when grown as a houseplant in North Carolina.
How far should a lamp sit from clivia?
University of Missouri Extension advises setting plant tips 6 to 12 inches from the light source. Light drops fast as distance grows, so raise the lamp as the leaves get longer.
How do I get clivia to rebloom?
NC State Extension notes a potted clivia flowers well after a rest of a month or two with nights below 50 degrees F. UF/IFAS advises a cool, shady spot plus letting it dry out over winter.
How long until a young clivia blooms?
UF/IFAS plus NC State Extension both note it takes a few years for clivia to bloom. They suggest buying a mature plant if you want flowers sooner.
Does clivia need repotting often?
NC State Extension notes clivia prefers being rootbound plus can stay in the same pot for as long as five years. UF/IFAS advises a coarse, well drained mix such as an orchid mix.
