Daily leaf care methods and breeding techniques for the large-flowered clivia
The large-flowered clivia generally refers to the clivia flower. Growers often ask about issues related to the leaves of the large-flowered clivia, so today we will discuss how to care well for the leaves of the large-flowered clivia, where the foliage is even more rewarding than the flowers.
1. Glossy leaves
The "gloss" of the leaves is the main indicator for ornamental value. Besides varietal characteristics, artificial cultivation is also important for leaf gloss, and its techniques mainly include several points: (1) Ensure a well-developed root system free of root rot, scientifically mix the nutrient soil, and fertilize properly. (2) Apply phosphorus and potassium fertilizers appropriately. (3) Maintain good humidity, generally between 60 and 80%. (4) Provide sufficient light duration, no less than 8 h in spring and autumn, using light to increase chlorophyll; take shading measures in summer to avoid strong light destroying chlorophyll; and maximize light exposure in winter.
2. Lighting techniques
The leaf shape of a fine large-flowered clivia should be "a line when viewed from the front, a fan when viewed from the side." To achieve this, the main thing is to control the lighting angle well and not let sunlight "pull the leaves askew." To avoid leaves tilting randomly, first determine the correct lighting direction, that is, place the "Y"-shaped plant leaves perpendicular to the light. To keep the leaves facing the sunlight from standing upright, generally rotate the plant about once every ten days, so that the leaves turned away from the sunlight "press down at the neck," resulting in a compact leaf shape and a good form with the leaf bases "pressed down at the neck."
3. Leaf shaping
In large-flowered clivias grown for many years, because the angle of light exposure varies, or because new leaves are squeezed and elongated when the flower scape emerges and blooms, the leaves of the whole plant may become crooked and twisted. Deformation caused by light exposure can be corrected at any time. Deformation caused by the flower scape setting fruit should be corrected promptly after the fruit is harvested and the scape is removed.
The shaping methods are as follows: (1) Use two pieces of thick cardboard, cut into trapezoidal sleeve boards sized to match the width of the leaves according to the size of the large-flowered specimen, put the leaves inside them, then move the leaves and straighten their direction to the ideal position and fix them in place; after a period of time, the leaves can be corrected. (2) Use plastic clips padded with cardboard to directly pull the crooked and twisted leaves back and clip them onto a properly shaped leaf; after a period of time they can recover. (3) Make a special comb-shaped leaf holder from plastic board, insert all the leaves on one side between the comb teeth, so that shaping can be carried out comprehensively. A insert board can be made at the lower part of the leaf holder and inserted into the flower pot soil, with leaf holders set separately on both sides of the large-flowered clivia for long-term shaping.
4. Leaf cleaning
When growing large-flowered clivias at home, dust inevitably falls on the leaf surface. In addition, long-term use of tap water for watering or spraying the leaves will also deposit a thin layer of scale on the leaf surface, which both hinders viewing and is unfavorable for photosynthesis. There are many methods for cleaning leaves; in practice, wiping with vinegar water has a relatively good effect. That is: use one or two qian of white vinegar and 15 kg of tap water, then dip fine gauze in it and gently wipe the leaf surface, and the scale and dust can be removed. Vinegar water can also be sprayed on the leaves, but note: for mature clivias, especially large-flowered clivias that have shot scapes and set fruit, when spraying vinegar water, protect the leaf core and the inner side of the pseudobulb to prevent water accumulation and rot. Wiping leaves with diluted "chlormequat" water can also keep the leaf surface glossy and lasting.
5. Leaf surface moisture
To protect the leaf surface of the large-flowered clivia so that it does not wilt, develop yellow tips, or even wither, the main method is to improve moisture, especially paying attention to leaf surface moisture. Spray water on the leaf surface every day, preferably in a mist-like spray. In the high-humidity season of summer, spray once each morning and evening to reduce evaporation of water inside the leaves. No spraying is needed on rainy days. High temperatures easily cause leaves to grow excessively and elongate; spraying water can reduce evaporation of water inside the leaves, lower leaf temperature, and protect the leaves, achieving both leaf growth and the goal of "keeping the leaves compact."
6. Diagnosing diseases from the leaf surface
The leaf surface color, growth vigor, and shape of the large-flowered clivia are external manifestations of the whole plant's growth state. By observing the outside, one can know the inside. Through the condition of the leaf surface, one can diagnose whether the plant has pests or diseases and adopt corresponding measures for timely rescue. For example: yellowing leaves indicate a lack of nutrients; drooping leaves indicate lack of water or too strong sunlight; leaves becoming longer and thinner indicate excessively high temperature causing excessive growth or too much nitrogen fertilizer; yellow-brown spots and holes on leaves indicate fertilizer burning the roots; soft rot of leaves indicates severe soft rot disease, and the leaves should be broken off promptly and properly handled; white spots on leaves indicate cottony cushion scale infestation, and the pests on the leaf sheaths and the undersides of the leaves should be cleaned off promptly.
7. Foliar fertilization
The large-flowered clivia can be given foliar fertilization to increase nutrition for the leaf surface and the whole plant. Fertilizer can be applied to both the front and back of the leaves, mostly using monopotassium phosphate, "Yemian Chongshibao," "Aiduoshou," and others. Fertilization time is generally from 8 to 10 a.m. or from 15 to 17 p.m. The fertilization concentration is about 1%; do not make it too concentrated, to prevent burning the leaves. It can be applied about once every half month. Foliar fertilization should use tools such as sprayers to atomize the fertilizer water, making it easy for the leaves to absorb and making it less likely for excess liquid fertilizer to flow into the pseudobulb, avoiding rot during high temperatures.
The above has discussed how to care for the leaf surface of the large-flowered clivia from aspects such as lighting techniques for the leaves, leaf shaping, and leaf cleaning. We hope the above content can be helpful to everyone.
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