How to divide a clivia

Clivias are gorgeous indoor plants with great foliage and beautiful flowers, but how do you propagate them? Steve and Val Bradley explain the best technique

- Steve and Val Bradley

INDOOR plants were enjoying a resurgence in popularity before lockdown, but last year sales went through the roof as people who were at home all day began to yearn for contact with nature. Foliage plants, in particular, have become hugely popular, thanks to the vast range of sizes, shapes and textures that mean you can have a whole mini jungle indoors.

The only issue that has been raised, especially with plants that come directly from abroad, is that the pot label sometimes contains very little cultural information other than a few symbols. This means that getting things right can be tricky but, when you succeed, the plants can grow very well indeed.

Interesting foliage and regular flowers

One plant that ticks the ‘interesting foliage’ box and flowers regularly into the bargain is the clivia. Originating from South Africa, it will grow very well indoors away from direct sunlight (which can scorch the leaves), so will enjoy the shadier spots where other plants might struggle. The flower colours range from dark orange though to pale yellow, including a few bicolours, and some have attractive variegated foliage.