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How to Save a Dying Clivia Plant

Updated: September 11, 2022

Clivia plants are native to South Africa and are known for their bright orange, trumpet-shaped flowers. They are relatively easy to care for, but sometimes they can start to die off due to a variety of reasons. If you notice your clivia plant is looking unhealthy, there are several steps you can take to revive it.

Step 1: Identify the Problem

The first step in saving a dying clivia plant is to identify the problem. There are several reasons why a clivia plant may be dying, including:

  • Overwatering: Clivia plants prefer soil that is moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can cause the roots to rot and lead to the plant’s death.
  • Underwatering: On the other hand, if you don’t water your clivia plant enough, it can become dehydrated and start to wilt.
  • Lack of sunlight: Clivia plants need bright but indirect sunlight to thrive. If your plant isn’t getting enough light, its leaves will start to turn yellow and it may stop producing flowers.
  • Poor soil quality: Clivia plants need well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. If the soil is too compacted or lacking nutrients, the plant may start to wilt.

Step 2: Adjust Watering

Once you’ve identified the problem with your clivia plant, you can take steps to address it. If you’ve been overwatering your plant, cut back on watering and let the soil dry out between waterings. If the soil feels soggy, you may need to repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil.

If you’ve been underwatering your plant, give it a good soaking and make sure the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. You can also mist the leaves with water to increase humidity around the plant.

Step 3: Provide Adequate Light

Clivia plants need bright but indirect sunlight to thrive. If your plant isn’t getting enough light, move it to a brighter location or consider using artificial light. Avoid placing the plant in direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves.

Step 4: Improve Soil Quality

If the soil your clivia plant is growing in is lacking nutrients or is too compacted, you may need to repot it in fresh soil. Use a potting mix that is designed for flowering plants and contains plenty of organic matter. You can also add fertilizer to the soil to help give the plant a boost.

Step 5: Prune Dead Leaves and Flowers

If your clivia plant has dead leaves or flowers, prune them off with clean, sharp scissors. This will help prevent the plant from wasting energy on dead parts and allow it to focus on producing new growth.

With proper care, your clivia plant should start to recover and produce new growth. Be patient and consistent with your care routine, and you should see results within a few weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a dying clivia plant be saved?

Yes, in most cases a dying clivia plant can be saved with proper care and attention.

How often should I water my clivia plant?

Clivia plants prefer soil that is moist but not waterlogged. Water your plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Can I grow a clivia plant indoors?

Yes, clivia plants can be grown indoors as long as they receive bright but indirect sunlight and are kept in well-draining soil.

How often should I fertilize my clivia plant?

Clivia plants benefit from regular fertilization during the growing season (spring and summer). Use a balanced fertilizer every two weeks according to package instructions.