How to grow Clivia miniata hydroponically? The method is actually very simple
Clivia miniata 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. The optimal temperature for growth is between 18 and 22°C; below 5°C or above 30°C, growth is inhibited. Hydroponic Clivia miniata is suitable for indoor cultivation. Let's take a look below at the hydroponic growing methods for Clivia miniata!
Choosing a container for hydroponic Clivia miniata
To grow Clivia miniata 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 enough. If you want to grow a large number hydroponically, you can use fine iron wire to weave a metal mesh with holes one cm in diameter, and make a glass hydroponic box slightly smaller than the metal mesh; or you can use a goldfish tank instead. Then cover the hydroponic box with the metal mesh, insert the Clivia miniata seedlings through the mesh holes into the nutrient solution, with the depth of the flower roots in the solution not exceeding the pseudobulb at the base of the roots.
Preparing the nutrient solution for hydroponic Clivia miniata
Nutrient solutions come in two types: inorganic and organic. The inorganic nutrient solution can be prepared in the following proportions: calcium 1.5 grams, ferrous sulfate 0.01 grams, urea grams, monopotassium phosphate 1 gram, magnesium sulfate 0.5 grams. After these 5 inorganic salts are all assembled, dissolve them in 1000 grams of water and it is ready to use. The organic nutrient solution is prepared as follows: 100 grams of roasted hemp seed meal, 100 grams of bone meal (made from unsalted fresh bones), 150 grams of soybean cake meal, 50 grams of roasted sesame seed meal, then dissolve in 1000 grams of water. Comparing the two nutrient solutions above, the organic fertilizer has richer components, but its nutrient content is not high; the inorganic fertilizer has relatively simple components, but has strong fertilizer effect and takes effect quickly. 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 miniata
For hydroponic Clivia miniata, 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 exposing it to sunlight for 3-5 days, so that chlorides such as bleaching powder, which are harmful to Clivia miniata roots, settle out. In "aged" water, from its appearance, the sediment changes from strip-like to clump-like, and the water color is best when green. After the water is properly "aged," when submerging the root area, it must not submerge the pseudobulb. If the water level is too shallow, Clivia miniata cannot get a sufficient water supply; if the water level is too deep (submerging the pseudobulb), it will cause root rot. During cultivation, pay attention to observing changes in water quality. If you find the roots have turned somewhat yellow or black, it means the water is both low in oxygen and lacking fertilizer, and you must change the water immediately.
Growing environment for hydroponic Clivia miniata
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 (it does not need to be brushed very clean, because a small amount of moss on the roots has little effect). In addition, you should often check whether the oxygen in the water is sufficient. The checking method is: put two or three small fish into the hydroponic box. If the small fish swim around freely 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 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 miniata 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-facing characteristic of Clivia miniata leaves, pay attention to making the leaves receive light evenly; otherwise the leaves will vary in length and their growth direction will also be staggered front and back. Generally, adjust the light angle once every two or three days. In terms of temperature treatment, the environmental temperature for adult Clivia miniata is best at 11°C-25°C; small 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.