Edible Mushroom Preservation Methods and Clivia Fertilization Techniques

When topdressing clivia, the key is to master the amount of fertilizer and the ratio of water to fertilizer.

Clivia Fertilization Techniques

Using Dry Fertilizer

Sprinkle a certain amount of dry fertilizer onto the surface soil in the flower pot, mix it evenly and lightly, then water it so the roots can absorb it easily. As for the amount of dry fertilizer, generally use half a spoonful for small seedlings, 2 spoonfuls for medium plants, and 4 spoonfuls for large plants.

Using Water-Soluble Fertilizer

Usually, one week after clivia seedlings are potted, especially when the leaves are unfolding, start applying water-soluble fertilizer. This can promote vigorous root development in the seedlings, strengthen their ability to resist disease and fungal damage, and gradually make the leaves thick and glossy. For small seedlings, a fertilizer-to-water ratio of 1:40 is better, while for large and medium plants, 1:20 is better. Generally, after applying the water-soluble fertilizer in the early morning, water once immediately, but the amount of water should not be too much. This can both help the fertilizer dissolve and rinse the newly grown fleshy roots to prevent damage to the new roots, and in summer it can also avoid breeding fungi. Dilute fertilizer water can be applied as a topdressing once a week. Be careful not to apply concentrated fertilizer; the shock of concentrated fertilizer will make new roots turn rusty, and in severe cases will cause the new roots to shrink.

Using Solid Fertilizer

First scrape a small trench along the edge of the pot, sprinkle the solid fertilizer evenly into it, then cover it with soil. The amount of fertilizer applied depends on the number and size of the leaves. Generally, small seedlings should not use solid fertilizer; for medium plants, 50 grams at a time, and for large plants, 75-100 grams at a time is suitable. When fertilizing, be careful not to splash it onto the leaves. If it accidentally drips on them, rinse it off promptly with clean water, or wipe it clean with a soft wet cloth. The frequency and amount of fertilization should increase or decrease with the seasons. In winter, clivia grows relatively vigorously, so topdressing should be applied appropriately: once a week for small seedlings, once every 10 days for medium and large plants, and the concentration can be somewhat higher; during the growth seasons of spring and autumn, the concentration should be lower.

In summer, if measures are taken to lower the temperature, and the humidity is sufficient, and the sunlight is abundant but not intense, fertilization can continue, but the amount should be less than in winter and spring; if the temperature is above 24°C, fertilization should be stopped or reduced, and fertilization should also be stopped during the rainy season. On cloudy days, it is better not to fertilize, because photosynthesis cannot occur on cloudy days, and after fertilizing it is not easy to absorb, and the roots soaking in the fertilizer water will lead to root rot.