Clivia Miniata Seeds

Identification

• Mature Clivia miniata plants grow between 1.5 and 2 feet tall with a 2-to-3-foot spread and a clumping form. They have thick central flower stems surrounded by long, lance-shaped, dark green or bright green leaves that grow from underground stems called rhizomes. The rhizomes and roots may grow on the surface of the potting soil in container plants. Large red, orange or yellow trumpet-shaped blossoms appear in the spring. Bright red, yellow or orange berries replace the flowers. The pulpy flesh surrounds a large pearlescent seed.

Propagation and Germinating Seeds

• Many people grow Clivia miniata plants by division since seeds take several years to bloom, but you can also grow them from seeds. Harvest the seeds as soon as the fruits ripen or soften by opening up the pods and removing the material that surrounds the seed. Carefully wash the seeds in anti-fungal solution. Germinate the seeds in trays of coarse, damp sand by pressing the seeds about halfway into the sand. Cover the trays and leave the seeds in a warm location for several weeks until they sprout.

Planting Seedlings

• Fill a 6-inch pot with a layer of bark chips or stones and an acidic potting soil or a combination of river sand and ground bark. Dampen the potting soil and place the seeds about 3/4 inch apart. Press small holes into the soil so the small taproot is covered by soil but the top of the seed is still above the surface. These seedlings are slow-growing, so they can stay in the pot as long as 2 years.

Cultivation

• You can grow mature Clivia miniata plants outdoors in partial shade. They are cold-hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture Hardiness Zones 9 through 11 and require moderate amounts of water. These plants benefit from an application of liquid or slow-release fertilizer during the summer months. A layer of organic mulch will maintain soil temperatures and moisture levels. Pests such as snails occasionally feed on the foliage. Clivia miniatas also grow well as low-maintenance indoor plants.