How to choose the raw materials for mixing Clivia nutrient soil?

Clivia prefers loose, fertile nutrient soil rich in humus with good drainage, and grows best at a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. Therefore, ideal materials must be selected, such as humus soil, leaf mold, peat soil, furnace ash slag, river sand, as well as horse manure and bone meal. The characteristics of each raw material are described below:

1. Humus soil

This soil is rich in humus and is a loose, fertile soil, making it a relatively ideal material for cultivating Clivia. This soil can also be composted artificially. The method is: in autumn and winter, collect fallen leaves or weeds, as well as animal waste, mix with a small amount of soil and pile it up, press it firm, cover the top with thin mud, turn the pile once after half a year, and it will be decomposed by the following year. When using, spread it out to dry in the sun, sieve out the coarse residue, and it is ready for use.

2. Leaf mold

The surface layer of soil, especially the forest floor, often has leaf mold accumulated over many years. This soil is generally acidic, with good permeability, loose texture and rich nutrients, making it a top-grade raw material for mixing Clivia nutrient soil. For cultivating Clivia, broadleaf leaf mold is best, among which oak leaf mold is the best; pine needle leaf mold should be used in combination with broadleaf soil and is not suitable for use alone.

3. Peat soil

Also known as turf soil, it is formed from aquatic plants in low-lying areas that have been buried underground for many years and carbonized through the action of peat moss. It is yellow-brown or dark brown, retains water and fertilizer, has a soft texture and good air permeability, and is rich in humic acid, which can stimulate wound healing. After being crushed and sieved, it works very well for cultivating divided Clivia offsets.

4. Furnace ash slag

It is the slag left after coal is burned. It is loose in texture, permeable and water-draining, retains water, fertilizer and warmth, and contains relatively many trace elements, which can promote thick roots and strong seedlings in Clivia. In particular: fresh furnace ash is clean and sterile. Before use, pick out the unburned coal lumps, crush them, and sieve them, taking slag the size of rice grains for later use.

5. River sand

River sand has good water permeability and air permeability, and contains trace elements such as iron, magnesium, sulfur, copper, zinc and molybdenum, all of which are indispensable substances for the growth of Clivia. At the same time, sand can also inhibit the breeding of mold and destroy the development of mycelium. Therefore, sand is also a basic material for growing medium.

6. Livestock manure

Livestock manure mainly refers to horse manure, which must be fully decomposed before use. Although horse manure is rich in nutrients, most of them cannot be directly absorbed and utilized by plant roots and must be decomposed by microorganisms before plants can absorb them.

Undecomposed horse manure is bulky and also contains weed seeds, pathogens and insect eggs. During the decomposition process, the high temperature generated by microbial fermentation can kill pathogens and insect eggs, and reduce its volume and weight. When put into pots, it also settles firmly, which helps fix the root system.