How do you repot and divide a clivia? There are also little tricks for selecting one

In China, the common clivias are two kinds: Clivia nobilis (drooping clivia) and Clivia miniata (large-flowered clivia). The leaves, flowers and fruit of the clivia are all beautiful, but the ornamental value of the leaves is the main highlight, so how to select a clivia must be based on the leaves to judge the quality of the variety.

1) The leaves are generally best when short, wide, thick and glossy.

2) The leaves are upright, the leaf width reaches 9~10 cm or more, and the length-to-width ratio of the leaf is more than 3 times. The leaves must be thick and substantial, with a thickness reaching 2~2.5 mm. For leaf color, dark green, tender green and oil-green are top grade, while dark dull green is second; in terms of glossiness, there are bright, oil-bright, dull and lusterless distinctions, and the brighter the better.

3) For leaf shape, a round blunt leaf tip is top grade, and a long pointed leaf tip is medium grade. For leaf vein patterns, those with green veins whose vertical and horizontal veins all protrude in a raised vein pattern are high-grade varieties, while flat raised vein patterns and hidden vein patterns are second.

Besides looking at the leaves, you can also look for thick round flower stalks, large flowers in many blooms, and bright red flower color. When buying small clivia seedlings, among those sown at the same time from the same variety, the first batch of seedlings to emerge, the so-called "pot-head seedlings", have stronger growth vigor and are good seedlings. Then choose small seedlings with luxuriant green leaves, short thick fleshy roots and tender green color; seedlings with thinner longer roots are better. If the small seedling has already grown 3 leaves, its quality can be judged by the leaf characteristics above. Whether the leaves are wrinkled and the size of the plant shape are not standards for judging the quality of a clivia.

In winter, the clivia should be moved indoors facing north and south to receive light. The clivia needs to maintain an environmental humidity of 60% at all times, and its leaves should be sprayed with water often, generally once a day. Also often wipe the dust off the leaf surface with a damp cloth to keep it clean. Doing this can make the leaves more glossy, benefit growth, and prevent pests and diseases. The dirt and moss on the pot wall must also be scrubbed clean to keep the clivia growing vigorously. In winter the clivia enters its dormant period, so water should be controlled; as long as the soil is not too dry, there is no need to fertilize. When the indoor temperature reaches 6°C~7°C, it can overwinter safely.