The care methods for Clivia miniata differ between winter and summer
How should Clivia miniata be cared for? In fact, for Clivia miniata, care in summer and winter is crucial. Below, we explain its care techniques based on its care in these two seasons.
(1) In summer, Clivia miniata prefers a cool, humid, semi-shaded environment, and its suitable growing temperature is 15-25°C. If the temperature is higher than 26-28°C, it will enter a dormant or semi-dormant state. If the temperature is higher still, it is prone to disease and even death.
In summer, Clivia miniata should be placed indoors or in a ventilated spot under a shade shed. The surrounding environment should be regularly sprinkled with water or have water basins placed around it, and the leaves should also be misted to increase air humidity and lower the temperature. When misting the leaves, do not let water run into the center, to prevent heart rot. Note that although the amount of watering in summer is greater than in other seasons, you must stick to the principle of not watering until dry, and watering thoroughly once you do. Also be careful not to wait until the potting soil is completely dry before watering; water when it is half dry, so that the potting soil stays consistently moist from top to bottom.
In terms of temperature, Clivia miniata is a medium-light flower that likes soft light and avoids scorching sun exposure. In summer, it must be placed in a ventilated spot under a shade shed, avoiding direct sunlight at noon. If exposed to strong direct light, it will develop "sunscald", with large brown spots appearing on the leaves, which wither and rot. When the temperature rises above 25°C, the growth of Clivia miniata is inhibited, and at this time fertilization should be stopped; if fertilization continues, the roots and stems easily rot. If the ambient temperature for Clivia miniata can be lowered below 25°C, then in summer a dilute liquid fertilizer of 1:20 or more can be applied once every half month. This can promote the growth of Clivia miniata and shorten or eliminate its dormant period.
To improve the resistance of Clivia miniata itself to adverse environments, in the later stage of spring growth, appropriately reduce the application of nitrogen fertilizer according to the condition of the seedlings, while increasing the amount of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer. Starting in March, apply 13% potassium dihydrogen phosphate or superphosphate as a root drench once every 10 days. One month before entering the "plum rain" period, use 1 part potassium dihydrogen phosphate for foliar topdressing 3-4 times. In addition, during the plum rain period the humidity is high, and if there is also poor ventilation, coupled with hot temperatures, the resistance of Clivia miniata to some infectious ☆diseases☆ will decline. For batch plantings, chemical control must be carried out. Pesticides such as carbendazim and thiophanate can be used alternately, at a concentration of 0.1%, sprayed once every 10 days.
If Clivia miniata bolts in summer, it will not only fail to produce good flowers, but will also consume nutrients and affect normal flowering in winter and spring, so the flower stalk should be cut off promptly.
(2) In winter, generally keeping the room temperature above 0°C is enough for Clivia miniata to overwinter safely. In early winter, the room temperature is somewhat higher, and most Clivia miniata plants are still growing indoors, so topdressing fertilizer can continue at this time; this is beneficial for growing branches and leaves and for budding and flowering later. If heating equipment is installed indoors, keeping a constant temperature above 10°C, Clivia miniata can continue to grow throughout the winter; Clivia nobilis can even flower early if given a dilute fertilizer topdressing once every 7 days. If the room temperature drops below 10°C, fertilization should be suspended, because at this time Clivia miniata is already in a slow-growth or dormant period, and applying more fertilizer not only makes it hard for the roots to absorb but is actually harmful.
After Clivia miniata has finished flowering, if you want to keep seeds, do not prune off the flower stalk; if you do not want to keep seeds, you should promptly cut it off or snap it off from the base of the stalk. This can reduce nutrient consumption and is beneficial for development and growth.