This a close look at a special variegated Clivia miniata.  Its leaves are shorter than usual, which the Japanese call a Daruma form.  Each leaf has a slightly different pattern of variegation than the previous one on this one of a kind plant.  Seed-grown Clivias with good variegation are rarely offered, for reasons i'll explain in a moment.

Most of the seedlings from variegated Clivias are unfortunately green or have poor variegation, and only a small percentage have good quality variegation.  I've had to grow hundreds of seedlings to get a few nice ones.  Each leaf can have a slightly different pattern, but the general theme on this one is white on one side and green on the other, which the Japanese call a "Mandarin Duck" form.  I call it "Bacon"!  The leaves are from 9 to 12 inches long and about 2½ inches wide.  It usually flowers in the fall or winter for me, with a beautiful spike about 10 inches tall.  Even the flower spike and berries are variegated!

 It's easy to grow when given the right conditions.  Clivias are happiest in mild temperatures with cool nights.  It might not thrive in consistently hot climates with warm nights (above 65°F / 18°C), but it grows fine indoors.  Bright shade or filtered sun is best.  Strong sunlight may burn the white areas.  Rotate the pot 180 degrees each month, so the new leaves line up into 2 neat rows.  Grow it in a chunky soil mix that's kept evenly moistly.  A typical mix is equal parts of small orchid bark or coco chips, potting soil, and perlite or pumice.  Over about 40% humidity is best.  When it nears flowering size, you can encourage flowering by exposing it to temperatures below 60°F (15°C) for about half the day for 4-8 weeks in autumn.  Just don't let it freeze.  Clivias don't mind small containers, and flower best when root-bound.

Beware of fake and mislabeled Clivia seeds and plants sold online.

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