Stalked Clivia. Strikingly different from the typical Cliva miniata, Cliva caulescens is nonetheless just as easy to grow. It sports a showy cluster of tubular flowers orange flowers tipped with green and glossy, strap-like leaves. A robust grower, it thrives in shady areas outside or as a lovely, evergreen houseplant. Blooms in late spring, unlike C. gardenii which has similar flowers. The most unique feature of this species is a curious trunk that forms as the plant grows taller. The lower leaves drop off leaving only leaf scars. A very long lived plant, older C. caulescens have been known to snake along the forest floor for several feet.
(Amaryllidaceae) The species name caulescens refers to the unique stem that develops as the plant ages. We are offering bloom-size plants that are just starting to show the characteristic trunk. Mature plants send out offsets readily. Native to eastern South Africa.
Light: Dappled to full shade outside. Indoors in medium, indirect light.
Water: Average water needs, but it is important that the soil mix be very light. Like other Clivia, a dry, cool period in the winter will contribute to good blooming.
Soil: Very well draining, but rich. A good mix would have high organic matter content and a lot of pumice or perlite. The plants usually grow in pockets of accumulated forest debris along cliffs or rocky areas or even on the limbs of large trees.
Fertilizer: A layer of well-rotted manure or compost and all-purpose, slow-release fertilizer
Hardiness: Zone 10 with protection of mature trees or an overhang. Mature Clivia will tolerate a slight frost, but it damages the plant and opens it up to fungal infection.