"Light of Buddha" Variegated Clivia miniata

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Welcome to the "Light of Buddha" Clivia miniata, a fascinating form of variegation that bleaches part of the leaves, giving them a sunlit appearance. The photos here were taken in shade! Each Light of Buddha plant is unique, and each leaf on the plant is different than the previous. These are also a rare compact form, with shorter, wider leaves, which the Japanese call a Daruma form. The leaves on these will grow to about 10-12 inches long and 3 inches wide when the plants are mature. Light of Buddha Clivias are rarely offered for sale.

Light of Buddha Clivias can develop more or less variegation as they mature, but they usually improve with age, becoming amazing show plants. The size & shape of the bleached areas can change from leaf to leaf, and it's always fun to see what the next one will look like. The yellowish in the new growth turns white as the leaves mature. The leaves will stay lined up a neat row instead of scattered if you rotate the plant 180 degrees each week.

Mine have beautiful orange & yellow blooms like the photo down below. Both the flower stem and berries of variegated Clivias are variegated! If these are pollinated with a regular Clivia, the seedlings will have shorter leaves, and some should have the Light of Buddha variegation.

"Light of Buddha" Variegated Clivia miniata

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 nights that are warm (over 65°F / 18°C), but it grows fine indoors. Give it 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. Bright shade or weak sun is best. Strong sunlight may burn the leaves. When it nears flowering size, you can encourage blooming by exposing it to temperatures below 60°F (15°C) for about half the day for 1-2 months in autumn. Just don't let it freeze. Over about 40% humidity is best. Clivias don't mind small containers, and flower best when rootbound.

What the flowers will look like

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

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