How to Tell If a Clivia Is Short of Water and Watering Precautions

Clivia is a flower that many people love to grow. Its leaves are emerald green, and it is very beautiful when in bloom, which is why so many people are fond of it. When growing Clivia, we need to pay special attention to watering. Below, we introduce the precautions for watering Clivia.

Clivia Short of Water

Many people have the impression that Clivia prefers dry potting soil. Indeed, Clivia is fairly drought-tolerant, mainly because it has thick, fleshy roots and rhizomes. When water is lacking, the moisture stored in the roots is enough to sustain it for a period of time. However, if it goes without water for a long time, once the moisture in the roots has been absorbed by the plant, the roots will shrivel and die, and eventually the plant will look listless with drooping leaves.

Criteria for Judging Whether a Clivia Is Short of Water

Whether a Clivia is short of water can be judged by three points. First, weigh the flower pot by hand; if you find the pot has become relatively light, then it is time to water. Second, feel the state of the potting soil by hand; if the upper and middle parts of the potting soil are already dry and loose, then it also needs watering. Third, observe the plant; if you find the plant sways a little from side to side, that is also a sign of water shortage.

Watering Points When a Clivia Is Short of Water

If we find that a Clivia is short of water, we must water it promptly. When watering, be sure to water thoroughly, and never give half-hearted watering (half-hearted watering means the potting soil has not been completely soaked through). If the potting soil ends up half wet and half dry, empty roots and root rot can easily occur, and eventually the Clivia will wither and die.

How to Water a Clivia Thoroughly

When watering a Clivia, it is easy for a false appearance of thorough watering to occur: after watering, the water will flow out along the bottom of the pot. In fact, sometimes, because the roots grow rather densely and the potting soil is fairly loose, the water easily flows out along the roots and the pot wall, while the interior has not actually absorbed any water.

So when watering, there is another little trick, which is to water by the soaking method. First prepare a water basin, then put in the basin just enough water to cover one third of the bottom of the flower pot, then place the flower pot in the basin for 3-5 minutes, so the water will be absorbed by the soil in the pot through the bottom, and then the whole pot will absorb water completely. This not only waters thoroughly but also nicely avoids water accumulating in the pot and causing the rhizomes to rot.

Water is the source of all things. When a Clivia is short of water, it has a great impact on the plant, so when watering, we must pay attention to the watering precautions. As for watering Clivia, is there anything you would like to add.