The correct method and precautions for repotting a clivia
Repotting clivia is an important part of growing a good clivia bonsai. When repotting, pay attention to choosing the right time, the correct repotting method and post-repotting care.
1. Repotting time. It is best to change the soil for clivia in spring and autumn, because the temperature is suitable at these times and clivia grows vigorously, so growth will not be affected by changing the soil.
In the south, the vigorous growth periods of clivia are first from March to June, when the temperature in various places in the south is generally 10°C-15°C at the lowest and 20°C-28°C at the highest, and in some areas it may exceed 30°C. This is a relatively suitable growth temperature for clivia; the second is from August to September, when the weather is warm and cool with moderate temperatures, which is the second vigorous growth period of clivia.
It should be noted that after clivia shoots its flower stalk, or during the bud-developing and flowering stage, it is best not to change the soil, because at this stage the plant needs relatively more nutrients, and carrying out soil replacement will affect the continuous supply of nutrients. However, if soil replacement is necessary because poor soil quality has caused root rot or yellow leaves, care should also be taken not to break up the root ball, and the damage to the root system caused by changing the soil should be minimized as much as possible.
2. Repotting operation. For flower pots that need soil replacement, a thorough watering must be given one day before changing the soil. When repotting, place the potted flower diagonally on the ground, hold the plant's pseudobulb with one hand, support the flower pot with the other hand, slowly turn it upside down, and tap the pot edge lightly on a wooden stool, and the plant will come out. If repotting a mature clivia aged 4 years or more, two people should work together, that is, one person holds the plant's pseudobulb with both hands, and the other person holds the flower pot with both hands and taps the pot edge lightly on a wooden stool, and the plant can be removed. When taking out the clivia with its soil ball, be careful not to let the soil ball break apart, so as to avoid damaging the root system.
After the plant is tipped out of the pot, gently remove the soil, and at the same time remove the aged and rotten fleshy roots (but do not cut off fleshy roots that are not rotten no matter how long they grow, because these fleshy roots and their tips have many root hairs, and besides absorbing water and nutrients, these root hairs can also secrete various acids that dissolve nutrients in the soil that are not easily dissolved, expanding absorption. If they are cut off, although the plant will not die, growth will definitely be affected). Then wash the roots with clean water (do not wash one- or two-year-old seedlings), and after air-drying for two or three hours, they can be potted.
When changing to a new pot, first use a piece of broken pot to cover half of the drainage hole at the bottom of the flower pot, then place another piece of broken pot diagonally over the other half of the drainage hole. This is good for air permeability and drainage. At the same time, first place a layer of broken fine pieces or furnace slag particles at the bottom of the flower pot to increase drainage and air permeability, and then fill a layer of loose coarse granular soil or large pieces of leaf mold. In this way, the clivia roots are easy to extend, and air permeability and drainage are better, avoiding fine soil blocking the bottom hole of the pot, causing excessive water accumulation and root rot. When filling the soil, water can be given in two rounds. When the potting soil reaches more than half of the pot, hold the clivia pseudobulb with the right hand and gently lift it upward a little to let the root system straighten, then give the first watering. In this way, the nutrient soil can smoothly enter between the various roots, avoiding a lack of soil between some roots. When the nutrient soil is filled to 2 cm below the pot rim, water once more, in order to make the nutrient soil settle firmly. Both waterings should be thorough.
3. Care after repotting. Newly potted clivia should be placed in a shaded place for about 10 days to slow water evaporation and allow it to gradually recover its strength. This is called "adjusting to the pot." After 10 days, light can be gradually increased.