Clivia miniata is easily cultivated and very rewarding. Plant in dappled shade — clivias are sensitive to sunlight and will burn easily. Plant in well-composted soil, which will also help with soil-water retention during dry periods. The plants should be watered regularly during the summer months, which is their growing season. Watering can be reduced during winter and the plants will tolerate fairly long dry periods. Bush lilies are spectacular container subjects. They should be grown in a well-drained potting medium which has plenty of compost added. This will also ensure good aeration which is another of their requirements. Clivias respond well to feeding in the summer months, either with slow-release fertiliser included in the potting mix or with a good liquid feed. Beds of established clivia can be given a granular fertiliser such as 3:1:5 or 2:3:2 and will benefit from a thick layer of organic mulch such as well-rotted compost, annually.

The bush lily is frost-tender and may be damaged if in a position that is exposed, especially to cold winds. It takes a long time for the damage to grow out if this happens, so it is best to select a sheltered site.

Clivia miniata can be propagated by seed or by removing suckers. The fruits are bright orange when ripe (or golden in the case of the yellow flowered plants). The pulp should be removed from the seed when you are ready to sow . The seeds are large with a pearly sheen and should be sown fresh for best results. (Remember to wash your hands very well after cleaning the seed.) Sow the seed in deep trays in sifted seedling mix which has been sterilised. Simply press the seeds gently into the mix until they are almost flush with the surface. The medium should be kept moist but since the seeds take a long time to germinate (four to six weeks), keep an eye out for algal growths on the surface which will deprive the germinating seeds of oxygen. They may remain in the trays for up to two years before they are large enough to plant on.

Large clumps can be split up using two forks to lever them apart or individual plants can be removed using a clean, sharp spade. These plants may not flower for a couple of seasons after splitting. This method of propagation is a reliable method of obtaining plants which are true to colour which is a problem when using seed. A yellow clivia will not necessarily yield yellow seedlings!