How to Grow Clivia? Key Points and Management Measures for Planting and Cultivation
Clivia was discovered around 1828 in the Drakensberg Mountains of South Africa. It was introduced from South Africa to Europe in the 1820s, and from Germany to China in the mid-19th century. At that time, apart from being cultivated for ornamental purposes in the Qingdao concession, it was rarely seen by Chinese people. Later, the Japanese gave a clivia to the Manchu emperor; even then, only a variety given by a palace chef to a dye works was called "Ranchang" (Dye Works), and a variety that came out of a temple was named "Heshang" (Monk) in memory of the monk who cultivated it. In recent years, thanks to the careful cultivation of professionals and enthusiasts, new varieties have continuously appeared, making it one of the most popular flowers of the time, and clivia's reputation remains as high as ever. The name clivia first gives people a feeling of reverence, and it symbolizes a character that is strong and unyielding against power.
Key Points for Planting and Cultivation
Propagation can be done by sowing, 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 in producing plants and flowering early. Division propagation is a widely used method, in which the axillary buds produced at the junction of the pseudobulb and the roots are cut off from the parent plant and cultivated separately to form new plants. It is easy to perform and has a high survival rate, and the plants grow quickly, flowering in 2-3 years. The best propagation period is when the plant enters vigorous growth after flowering. In a greenhouse where the temperature is stable between 15-25°C, propagation can be done 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 can then be separated to form 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 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 decayed 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 long time, and has good water retention and heat preservation. This is exactly what clivia needs for watering, which must be done in moderation. Too much water causes waterlogging, leading to severe oxygen deficiency, hindering normal respiration and causing root rot or even death; too little water causes leaves to wilt or even dry up and die. Therefore, watering should be combined with applying dilute liquid fertilizer to the potting soil, and the amount and timing of watering should be adjusted according to temperature changes and the plant's growth vigor. The minimum temperature for clivia growth is 10°C, the optimum is 15-25°C, and the maximum limit is 30°C. Above 30°C it enters semi-dormancy, and 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 canopy to avoid direct strong sunlight burning the leaves, and sometimes water should be sprayed to lower the temperature. In winter it must be brought indoors to overwinter and receive sunlight. When winter temperatures are at their lowest, 6-10°C must be maintained to prevent freezing. A day-night temperature difference of 8-10°C is appropriate, and a room temperature of 15°C is suitable.
Planting Management Measures
Clivia prefers a cool and humid climate. In summer, to keep clivia growing well, measures must be taken to create conditions favorable for its growth.
1. Shading: In summer, place it under a shade canopy outdoors. It is ideal if direct sunlight can be blocked at noon while sunlight is available in the morning and evening.
2. Cooling: Besides placing clivia in a ventilated spot, also place the pot on a water pool or water table (raised with wooden boards), and frequently spray water around the placement area and on the leaves, so that clivia grows in a small environment below 25°C with 60——70% humidity.
3. Reducing fertilizer: When the temperature at the clivia's growing location is above 25°C, fertilizer should be appropriately reduced or stopped to avoid burning the fleshy roots with too much fertilizer. If more fertilizer was applied in spring, in summer half of the potting soil can be replaced from the top, and the rest replaced after the Start of Autumn. If the temperature can be lowered below 20°C, fertilizer can still be applied as usual.
4. Watering: Follow the principle of watering when the soil is half dry, and watering thoroughly each time. Never let water run into the leaf center, to avoid rotten heart disease and cause "beheading".
5. Pest control: If harmed by scale insects, spray the leaves with 1000-1500 times diluted dichlorvos solution.