Latest Key Planting and Cultivation Points and Management Measures for Clivia

Clivia was discovered in the Drakensberg Mountains of South Africa around 1828. In the 1820s it was introduced from South Africa to Europe, and in the mid-19th century it was introduced from Germany to China. At that time, apart from being cultivated for ornamental purposes in the concession areas of Qingdao, it was rarely seen by Chinese people. Later, the Japanese presented a Clivia to the Manchu emperor, and at that time it was also only in the court. A variety given by an imperial chef to a dye works was called “Dye Works”; a variety that spread from a temple was named “Monk” in memory of the monk who cultivated it. In recent years, through the careful cultivation of professionals and enthusiasts, new varieties have continued to appear, making it one of the most popular flowers of the moment, and even today Clivia's reputation has not diminished from those years. The name Clivia first gives people a feeling of reverence, and people imply that Clivia possesses a character of strength and fearlessness of power.

Key Points for Planting and Cultivation

It can be propagated by seeding, division, and tissue culture. Apart from breeding new varieties or obtaining variant varieties from naturally cross-pollinated seedlings, seed propagation is not as fast as division for producing mature plants and flowering early. Division propagation is a widely used propagation method, that is, the axillary buds produced at the junction of the pseudobulb and the roots are cut away from the mother plant and cultivated separately to form new plants. The operation is simple, the survival rate is high, and growth and development are fast; it can bloom in 2-3 years. The best propagation period is after flowering when it enters vigorous growth. In a greenhouse where the temperature remains stable between 15-25°C, it can be propagated in all four seasons. Alternatively, in September-October, when the fruit is ripe and autumn repotting and soil changing are carried out, axillary buds can be cut for propagation; the pseudobulb can also be cut in half with a knife, and the cut pseudobulb can produce varying numbers of small buds, which when separated become new plants. The best time is in spring when the temperature is stable at around 20°C, combined with soil changing. In addition, explants can also be cut and subjected to steps such as disinfection, inoculation, and root induction to form new plants through tissue culture.

In cultivation and management, humus formed from decomposed plant matter is most suitable for the growth and development of Clivia, because it contains relatively sufficient nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, can supply its needs for a relatively long time, and has good water retention and heat preservation. It is precisely suitable for watering Clivia, which must be controlled appropriately. Too much water causes waterlogging, leading to severe oxygen deficiency, hindering normal respiration of the plant, and causing root rot or even death of Clivia; if there is too little water, it will cause the leaves to wilt or even dry up, until death. Therefore, watering should be done by applying dilute liquid fertilizer to the pot soil, and the amount and timing of watering should be controlled according to temperature changes and the strength of plant growth. The minimum temperature for Clivia growth is 10°C, the optimum temperature is 15-25°C, and the maximum limit is 30°C. Above 30°C it will enter semi-dormancy, while a day-night temperature difference of 8-12°C is most suitable for Clivia growth. When overwintering through summer, it must be placed under a shade shed to avoid direct strong light burning the leaves, and sometimes water must be sprayed to lower the temperature. In winter it needs to be brought indoors to overwinter and receive sunlight. When the winter temperature is at its lowest, it should be kept at 6-10°C to avoid freezing. The day-night temperature difference should preferably be 8-10°C, and the room temperature should preferably be 15°C.

Planting Management Measures

Clivia prefers a cool and humid climate. In summer, if you want Clivia to grow well, measures must be taken to create conditions favorable for Clivia growth.

1. Shading: In summer it should be placed under a shade shed outdoors. If it can avoid direct sunlight at noon while still receiving sunlight in the early morning and evening, that is most ideal.

2. Cooling: In addition to placing Clivia in a ventilated place, the Clivia pot should also be placed on a water pool or water platform (raised with wooden boards), and water should often be sprayed around the placement area and on the leaf surfaces of the plant, so that Clivia grows in a small environment below 25°C with 60——70% humidity.

3. Reducing fertilizer: When the temperature at the place where Clivia is kept is above 25°C, fertilizer should be appropriately reduced or stopped to avoid over-fertilizing and burning the fleshy roots. If more fertilizer was applied in spring, in summer half of the pot soil can be replaced from the top, and then replaced again after the beginning of autumn. If the temperature can be lowered below 20°C, fertilizer can still be applied as usual.

4. Watering: Adhere to the principle of watering when half-dry, and watering thoroughly once you water. Never let water run into the leaf center, so as to avoid rotten heart disease and cause “beheading”.

5. Pest prevention: If harmed by scale insects, a 1000—1500 times dilution of dichlorvos solution can be sprayed on the leaf surfaces.