Correct Methods and Detailed Steps for Trimming Clivia (Kaffir Lily) Roots

1. Removing the Soil

First, when trimming its roots, you need to dig it out, and you should stop watering it for about seven days beforehand. Second, when digging it out, you can gently tap the outside of the pot so the soil separates from the pot more easily, making it easier to take the plant out together with the soil. Third, clean most of the soil off the roots, then wash off the soil that cannot be cleaned off by hand with water until it is clean.

2. Trimming Rotten Roots

First, because its roots are fleshy, although they look thick and sturdy, they are very soft and break easily. Second, it often grows some rotten roots, and if these are not cleaned off in time, they can even affect its life. Third, when trimming its roots, first clean away the rotten roots; if an entire root has rotted, it needs to be cut off completely. If only part has rotted, you can cut it off with a sterilised knife.

3. Trimming Hollow Roots

If a plant has survived for a very long time, after growing for many years its roots easily become hollow, with nothing but a thin outer skin left. Some old roots are darker in colour but very thin and weak, unable to deliver nutrients to the leaves well; instead they consume nutrients and turn into rotten roots, so hollow roots must also be removed entirely.

4. Root-Trimming Techniques

No matter what kind of roots they are, if they can be cleaned directly by hand, do not use tools, because its roots are very delicate and tools easily cause large wounds. Using your hands keeps the wounds relatively smaller and causes less damage to it; if the wound area is too large, it is very easy for it to become infected with pathogens.