Clivia plants are some of the most popular houseplants. They make great gifts because they are easy to take care of and have beautiful flowers that last for months.

However, if your clivia leaves turn yellow, you may be wondering what is going on with them! In this blog post, we will discuss why clivia leaves turn yellow and how to fix them so they stay green!

Why Are My Clivia Leaves Turning Yellow?

Your clivia leaves are turning yellow because the plant has been overwatered, it hasn’t received enough light, or the environment is causing stress.

I will now explore the most common causes of yellowing leaves on a clivia and what you can do about them.

Yellow Clivia from Overwatering

If your clivia leaves are turning yellow, you may have given the plant too much water. Clivias like moist but not wet soil, so check the top of the potting mixture to make sure it is dry before watering.

You should test the top inch of soil by sticking your finger in it. If the soil is moist, wait a few days before watering again. You can also use a moisture meter if you do not want to get your fingers dirty from the soil.

I tend to water my clivia every week in the summer and every two weeks in the winter. This keeps the plant happy and healthy, while still giving it time to dry out between waterings.

Continuing to give too much water can result in serious problems, like root rot and fungal infections. If you notice brown or black spots on the roots of your clivia, it has root rot and should be treated immediately.

Start by pruning any rotten roots and discard them away from all plants. Next, allow the plant to dry out to allow the roots time to heal.

You can then repot the plant into fresh soil that drains well. The recovery process may take several months depending on how badly your clivia was affected by root rot, but it will be worth the wait!  

Yellow Clivia Leaves from Insufficient Light

If your plant isn’t getting enough light (for example, you keep it in a dark corner), then its leaves won’t be able to produce chlorophyll properly and will turn yellow!

It’s important that clivia plants get at least five hours of bright sunlight each day. If they don’t get enough sun, move them closer to a window. If possible, try to place clivias near south-facing windows for maximum exposure.

You can also use LED grow lights (Amazon link) or fluorescent grow lights to give your plant the light it needs. I use them on nearly all of my houseplants during the winter here in the UK.

Yellow Clivia from Stress

Clivias need to be protected from cold drafts and temperature fluctuations. If you notice that your plant’s leaves are yellowing, it may have been exposed to a draft or the temp has dropped too low.

If this is the case, move your clivia away from any doors or windows that lead outside. However, the best thing to do is usually nothing! The last thing you want to do is cause even more stress to your poor clivia plant.

This means not repotting your plant unless absolutely necessary. Doing so will stress the plant and take a few weeks for it to recover.  

Clivia Leaves FAQs

Some of the most frequently asked questions about yellowing leaves will be discussed in this section.

Should I cut yellow leaves off my clivia?

Yes, it’s important to prune yellow leaves on your clivia. This will encourage new growth and help the plant recover faster than if you left them alone.

Is it normal for my clivia to lose some of its lower leaves?

Yes, it is perfectly normal for your clivia plant to lose some of its lower leaves. However, if you notice that most of the leaves are turning yellow and dying off around the same time, then it’s likely due to overwatering or insufficient sunlight.

Will too little light cause my clivia to turn yellow?

Yes, clivias need at least five hours of bright sunlight every day. If yours is getting less than this, you might want to consider increasing the amount of light it’s receiving or moving it closer to a window with more exposure.

Will too much water cause my clivia leaves to turn yellow?

Yes, if your clivia is overwatered, this can cause the water to pool around its roots and give them too much moisture. This will result in root rot and turn your plant’s leaves yellow as well.

Will yellow clivia leaves turn green again?

No, it is very unlikely that your yellow leaves will turn green again. However, this is perfectly normal and doesn’t mean that you should discard the plant or give up on it! The good news is that the new foliage will be green if you follow the basic care rules.

Will repotting my clivia cause its leaves to turn yellow?

It is possible for your clivia to turn yellow after repotting, but this usually isn’t the case. However, if you notice that almost all of the leaves on your plant are turning yellow at once and it has recently been moved into a new pot or had any soil changes, then it might be due to root shock.

Conclusion

There are several reasons clivia leaves turn yellow, but there is usually an easy solution to fix it. Learning how to take care of clivias will help you keep your houseplant happy and healthy year-round so they continue blooming for months on end!

I hope this article helps you figure out why your clivia leaves are turning yellow and what you can do about it. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below or contact me through my email.