#clivia

Plant of the Day

Monday 25 May 2026

This yellowing flowering Clivia miniata var. citrina (Natal lily) is a shade loving evergreen perennial. In the U.K. it thrives as a houseplant or in the protection of a glasshouse or conservatory. As a container grown plant a restricted root run will encourage flowering.

#own-photo

Clivia.

Also known as Natal lily, is one of the most “giving” plants I have nurtured and enjoyed for years. Lasting, exuberant flowers, lush leaves, adaptable to temperature changes.

#ends-2-beginnings

It’s been years since the last time my Clivias bloomed, but today here it is!

I thought of a Cliva headcanon based on @jinelys_art drawing on Instagram:

I imagine Clay writing a sad story about the advisor and best friend of a princess who is secretly in love with her, but who has long since accepted that the two of them will never be together. The princess then goes off and marries someone else, and the heartbroken servant is left with the bittersweet thought that at least he'll always be the Princess' friend.

Perhaps Clay reads the story to his nephews and niece after they insist on their Uncle Clay reads his book to them, even if he embarrassingly insists that it's not their type of book. He ends up reading the book to Viva, Poppy, Brandy and his brothers as well, due to them insisting he reads the book to them too.

It's pretty clear to everyone that Clay based his book off his own experiences with Viva and how he believes he'll never be with her romantically has sadly accepted that at least he'll always be her friend. Viva suspects that the story might be about her from the way Clay glances at her while reading the story. From this, she realises that she may have feelings for him, too. Though at the time, she is possibly still in denial about her feelings and/or she too shy to act on them.

Pyrrosia rupestris, the Rock Felt Fern, growing on Hoop Pine. Melangyna viridiceps, the Common Halfband, alighting on the African Bush Daisy, Euryops chrsanthemoides.

The seedpod of Koelreutia paniculata, the Golden Rain Tree, suspended in spider's web.