Causes and Solutions for Clivia Flower Stalk Stuck Between Leaves

Clivia flower stalks getting stuck between the leaves has always been a major problem that orchid growers cannot avoid, especially for beginners growing clivia. Normally, a clivia will shoot up its stalk and bloom after three to four years, but if care is not proper, you will find that before the flower scape has even grown to 10 cm tall, the flower buds are already blooming while trapped between the leaves. Why does this happen? It is mainly because of the three major problems below that clivia develops stuck flower stalks. Once you understand them, you will find the solutions are actually very simple!

Image: Early signs of a stuck flower stalk in clivia

Problem 1: Temperature too low.

Temperature management is especially important during the month or so before the clivia shoots up its stalk. If the clivia is placed in an environment below 15°C, the stalk will have a very hard time shooting up. Therefore, growers of clivia should pay special attention: when the clivia is about to enter its flowering period (January to March each year), be particularly mindful of the temperature in its growing environment. As soon as you see the slightest sign of the stalk shooting up, take measures immediately to raise the temperature at the bottom of the pot and around it. It is best to place the clivia in an environment around 20°C.

Image: The clivia's flower stalk is stuck; can you see the flower buds?

Problem 2: Watering not done properly.

Some clivia develop stuck flower stalks not because the temperature is too low, but because improper watering has caused the potting soil to become compacted or there are earthworms in the soil, so the water cannot be absorbed by the clivia's fleshy roots. At this stage in particular, because the cells of the flower scape divide very rapidly, the amount of water consumed is especially large. So insufficient water supply will affect the clivia shooting up its stalk, resulting in a stuck flower stalk.

Image: Even trapped in a narrow gap, the clivia still wants to bloom

Problem 3: Lack of fertilizer.

There are also growers whose clivia have no problems with temperature or watering, yet still develop stuck flower stalks. In that case, the likely cause is a lack of fertilizer. After the clivia enters its flowering period, its nutritional (fertilizer) needs are especially high. If the fertilizer in the soil is insufficient at this time, the clivia will suffer from malnutrition. In mild cases, the flower stalk gets stuck; in severe cases, you will not even see buds or blooms. Oh, by the way, those whose clivia often gets stuck flower stalks might as well take this opportunity to apply some fertilizer to your clivia. Remember, apply phosphorus fertilizer!