How to plant Clivia seeds? With variety introductions

The name Clivia (Junzilan) often gives people the feeling of a modest gentleman, warm and gentle as jade, and the appearance of Clivia is indeed like this. Although Clivia is called an orchid, it is not the same as the delicate and frail orchid. Its leaves are more fleshy and thick, giving a sense of honesty and sturdiness, and the flowers are not as soft and delicate as orchid flowers either; they look very sunny. So how should Clivia be planted?

How to plant Clivia seeds

1. Taking the seeds

Generally, it is best to sow the seeds within one to two days after they are taken out. At this time the seeds contain more water and have strong vitality. If they are left for too long, the seedling emergence rate of the seeds will be affected. Use scissors to cut off the fruit together with the “flower scape”, then peel out the seeds. If the sowing time needs to be delayed, hang the seeds and the “flower scape” in a cool, ventilated place. They can be stored for about one month, but the seedling emergence rate will decrease.

2. Planting time

There is no seasonal restriction on the planting time of Clivia; the specific sowing time is determined by the time the seeds mature.

3. Sowing method

1. In order to fully soften the endosperm and seed coat, before planting, soak the selected good seeds in water at about 40℃ for about 30 hours, then remove them and let them cool. The treated seeds will produce radicles in about 17~20 days.

2. Choose a container that is breathable and drains easily; a wooden box is recommended. For initial planting, sawdust or river sand can be chosen. Here the river sand method is explained in detail. Choose fine sand, wash it and disinfect it, spread it evenly in the container, place the seeds with the germinating eye facing down on the sand surface at intervals of about 4 cm, then cover with another layer of fine sand. Do not make it too thick; a thin layer is enough.

3. River sand planting has large gaps and strong water permeability. If the surface of the pot is found to be dry, spray or water it. Do not water too much; a humidity of 40 percent is enough, and keep the temperature between 18℃ and 25℃.

Once the climatic conditions are created well, it will take about one month for cotyledons to grow.

4. Management after the seeds emerge

After the seeds grow into seedlings, they need to be divided into separate pots. Choose flower pots with good breathability, spread about 5 cm of soil on the bottom, place the seedlings on it, and in the early stage it is best to water by spraying, which can both increase humidity and prevent too strong a water flow from washing away the seeds and seedlings. Place them in a semi-shaded place to recover for a few days.

Varieties of Clivia

1. Fine-leaved Clivia

It is a small plant, usually 80~130 mm tall. The leaves are bright green, 3~9 cm long and 2.5~6 cm wide, very slender. The flowering period is relatively long, from late autumn to winter. The flower color is single, only orange-red, and the petals are distinctly green.

2. Stemmed Clivia

The plant height is 50~150 cm. A mature stemmed Clivia can reach a length of up to one meter, and under special circumstances can reach 3 meters. The flowering period is in spring and summer.

3. Swamp Clivia

Swamp Clivia was only confirmed in 2004 and was discovered in South Africa. It grows in sandy acidic soil. It is currently the largest Clivia discovered, capable of growing to 1.8 meters, and in swamp areas individual roots can grow to 4.5 meters.

4. Yellow-flowered Clivia

Yellow-flowered Clivia is robust in nature and likes a warm, humid, semi-shaded environment. It requires well-drained, fertile loam. It is not cold-tolerant. In South China, Clivia can be used to arrange flower beds or as cut flowers; in East China and areas north of the Yangtze River basin, it is grown as an indoor potted plant for foliage and flowers.

5. Strange Clivia

Strange Clivia originally grows on mountain slopes, either in groups or alone. Its growing environment is relatively dry, and in winter it experiences a rainy period. Strange Clivia is clearly different from other varieties: there is a white stripe in the center of the leaf, and it can mature in only 5 months. At present this kind of Clivia is under protection and is rarely seen in homes!

6. Drooping-flowered Clivia

The leaves are coarse and hard, ribbon-like, about 30-80 cm long and 2.5-5 cm wide. The inflorescence usually has 20~60 small flowers, and the flowers droop downward. Its growth is slow; from a seed to flowering takes 8~10 years, or even longer.

The functions of Clivia

1. Clivia has the function of absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen

Clivia likes a semi-sunny and semi-shaded growing environment. It can carry out photosynthesis with just a little weak light, so keeping it indoors has little effect on it. In addition, during the growth and development of Clivia, besides obtaining nutrients and organic matter from the soil, it also needs to use light, carbon dioxide, and water for photosynthesis and release oxygen. This not only promotes the growth and development of Clivia, but also purifies the air, which is even more important to people's health.

2. Clivia has the function of absorbing dust

Clivia is called an orchid but is not an orchid. It has wide, thick leaves like an orchid plant, and there are many stomata on the leaf edges that can secrete mucus. In an environment with good air circulation, it can absorb dust and harmful gases and filter the air. Placing one pot indoors can effectively remove dust from the air and purify the air. Therefore Clivia is called an “absorption machine” and a “dust remover“.

2. Beautifying the room

Clivia, as its name suggests, symbolizes noble character. Place Clivia in front of the door. When guests enter and see the Clivia, they will understand the host's intention and see the host's noble character.

Of course, Clivia can also be placed on the dining table, playing a good beautifying role. The small Clivia decorates the entire dining room, showing the host's yearning for an elegant life.

The habits of Clivia

Clivia is native to the tropical regions of southern Africa, growing under trees. It fears heat and tolerates cold, likes a semi-shaded and humid environment, and avoids direct strong light. The most suitable temperature for growth is between 18~28℃. If the temperature is too low or too low, growth will be inhibited. Clivia is suitable for growing in a well-ventilated environment, and the suitable soil is loose, fertile acidic organic soil. Clivia is a typical greenhouse flower and is suitable for indoor cultivation. Under normal care, Clivia blooms once a year; if the indoor maintenance temperature is suitable, it can bloom around the Spring Festival. However, it is very rare for it to bloom twice or even three times a year!

Clivia was originally a plant from tropical regions, so its tolerance for drought and heat is much stronger than its endurance of wet and cold. Therefore, when planting Clivia, we must do well in aspects such as watering and cold protection. In addition, its requirements for ventilation and breathability are also relatively high.