How to Grow Clivia in Water? A Detailed Guide to the Latest Cultivation Methods
Clivia is native to southern Africa, growing beneath trees, so it fears both heat and cold, prefers a semi-shaded and humid environment, and dreads strong direct sunlight. Its optimal growing temperature is between 18 and 22°C; below 5°C or above 30°C, growth is inhibited. Hydroponic Clivia is suitable for indoor cultivation. Let us take a look below at the hydroponic cultivation methods for Clivia!
Choosing a Container for Hydroponic Clivia
To grow Clivia hydroponically, you must first choose a good container. Generally, a transparent glass container is best. If you are growing a single seedling, a glass jar is all you need. If you want to grow a large number hydroponically, you can weave a metal mesh with holes about one cm in diameter using thin iron wire, and make a glass hydroponic box slightly smaller than the metal mesh; or you can substitute a goldfish tank. Then cover the hydroponic box with the metal mesh, and insert the Clivia seedlings through the mesh holes into the nutrient solution. The depth of the flower roots in the nutrient solution should not exceed the pseudobulb at the base of the roots.
Preparing the Nutrient Solution for Hydroponic Clivia
Nutrient solutions come in two types: inorganic and organic. The inorganic nutrient solution can be prepared in the following proportions: calcium 1.5 g, ferrous sulfate 0.01 g, urea g, potassium dihydrogen phosphate 1 g, magnesium sulfate 0.5 g. Once these 5 inorganic salts are all assembled, dissolve them in 1000 g of water and it is ready to use. The organic nutrient solution is prepared as follows: 100 g of roasted hemp seed meal, 100 g of bone meal (made from unsalted fresh bones), 150 g of soybean cake meal, 50 g of roasted sesame powder, then dissolved in 1000 g of water. Comparing the two nutrient solutions, the organic fertilizer has richer ingredients but lower nutrient content, while the inorganic fertilizer has relatively simple ingredients but greater fertilizing power and faster results. To make up for each other's shortcomings, the two can be used in combination. If used alone, apply the inorganic fertilizer once a week and the organic fertilizer once every 5 days.
Watering Methods for Hydroponic Clivia
For hydroponic Clivia, you cannot use tap water directly; you must use water that has been “aged”. So-called “aged” water means putting tap water in a container and leaving it in the sun for 3—5 days, so that bleaching powder and other chlorides harmful to Clivia roots settle out. In “aged” water, the sediment changes from strip-like to clump-like in appearance, and the water color is best when green. After the water is well “aged”, when submerging the roots, the pseudobulb must never be submerged. If the water level is too shallow, the Clivia cannot get an adequate water supply; if the water level is too deep (submerging the pseudobulb), it will cause the roots to rot. During cultivation, pay attention to observing changes in water quality. If you find the roots turning somewhat yellow or black, it indicates that the water is both low in oxygen and low in nutrients, and you must change the water immediately.
Cultivation Environment for Hydroponic Clivia
Whether the aeration of the roots of hydroponic Clivia can be handled well is the key to success or failure in hydroponics. After a period of cultivation, a layer of moss grows on the roots of hydroponic Clivia. When the moss is too thick, it seriously affects root respiration and corrodes the nutrient solution. At this time, you need to use a soft, clean bristle brush to gently brush away the moss layer on the roots (there is no need to brush it very clean, since a small amount of moss on the roots has little effect). In addition, you should frequently check whether the oxygen in the water is sufficient. The method for checking is: put two or three small fish into the hydroponic box. If the small fish swim freely back and forth in the water, it means the water is not low in oxygen; if the small fish always float to the surface, with their mouths and gills exposed to breathe, it means the water is low in oxygen.
After discovering that the water is low in oxygen, you must replenish the oxygen. There are two methods: one is to change the water, and the other is to use a small oxygen pump to supply oxygen to the water. In terms of sunlight treatment, Clivia is a semi-shade, semi-sun plant, so pay attention to light. Especially in summer, avoid direct strong sunlight and let it receive scattered light. In addition, according to the light-seeking characteristics of Clivia leaves, pay attention to giving the leaves even light exposure; otherwise, the leaves will be of uneven length and their growth direction will also be staggered front and back. Generally, the light angle should be adjusted once every two or three days. In terms of temperature treatment, the environmental temperature for adult Clivia is best at 11°C-25°C, while seedlings can be slightly higher, 20°C-35°C is fine. When growing Clivia in water, you must master the day-night temperature difference. In winter, keep it around 20°C during the day, and not lower than 15°C at night.