Botanical name: Clivia miniata
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Bush Lily also called Natal Lily bears clusters of 10-20 flowers on top of a tall stalk. It grows to a height of 18 in. and flowers are orange, red, cream and yellow, and may have a faint but very sweet perfume. The plant will not bloom when temperatures are high or if the watering rules are not followed. This is a sensitive plant which does not like to be disturbed. Don't move the plant when in bud or flower and don't repot unless the plant is pushing out of the container. However, when given the right conditions it grows into large clumps. The plant spreads by means of rhizomes and is suitable for shaded spots. Bush Lily is native to the woodland habitats of South Africa as well as Swaziland.
Bush Lily grows best in bright light away from direct sunshine. Exposure of the plant to direct sunlight will result in sunscorched leaves. Learn more on how to ensure your plant receives the correct light in this guide on understanding light for houseplants.
Water Bush Lily thoroughly during the growing season to maintain the soil moist through out. Reduce watering during the cold season to maintain the soil barely moist. Avoid waterlogging as it can lead to rotting. Learn more on how to water houseplants.
Average room temperature with a minimum of 100C is ideal for Bush Lily. Find out more on temperature for houseplants.
Average room humidity is ideal for Bush Lily. The plant has no need for high humidity.
Feed Bush Lily with a phosphorous-rich fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season. Withhold feeding during the growth season as growth is minimal. Learn more on how to feed houseplants.
Prune Bush Lily by removing dead blooms and leaves to maintain the plant neat and tidy. Cutback the stems at the base when they begin to shrivel.
Repot Bush Lily after flowering into a pot one size larger than the previous one only when the plant becomes pot-bound. Being pot-bound is important to encourage flowering. Ensure the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is free-draining soil to avoid waterlogging as it can lead to rotting.
Bush Lily can be propagated by division at repotting time. Carefully divide the rhizome into sections while ensuring each section has adequate roots and some leaves. Pot up these sections into individual pots. Ensure the pots have a drainage hole and the soil is free-draining to prevent waterlogging which can lead to rotting. Place the set up in a warm shaded place and maintain the soil moist thorough out. Allow the plants to be well established before transplanting.
Bush Lily is prone to Root-rot Disease, Damping Off, Leaf Rust and Leaf Spot.
The common pests in Bush Lily are Mealy Bugs.
Bush Lily (Clivia miniata) contains small amounts of lycorine which makes it toxic to both humans and pets. Keep it away from the reach of children and pets.
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