How to Water a Clivia Correctly? A Detailed Guide to Watering Methods
Clivia is a green plant that many people like to grow. To grow a pot of clivia well, the basic requirement is to master the correct watering method, so here is how to water a clivia correctly.
Watering Essentials for Clivia in the Four Seasons
1. Spring and Autumn
In spring and autumn, the peak growing seasons for clivia, watering at this time just needs to follow the "water when dry, keep moist" principle, and it is best if no water accumulates in the pot, so root rot in clivia is relatively rare in these two seasons.
2. Summer
Summer temperatures are relatively high, and the temperature of the clivia's potting soil is also high, so the water temperature used for watering clivia must not differ too much from the soil temperature, otherwise it can easily damage the root system. Therefore, when watering, it is better to let the water sit for a while, so that the soil temperature and water temperature become close and no damage is caused.
3. Winter
When watering clivia in winter, it is better to choose a sunny noon and use slightly warm water for irrigation. Of course, the water temperature must not be too high either, as too high a temperature can also harm the clivia's root system. In winter, watering of clivia needs to be reduced. If the indoor temperature is relatively high, then clivia can also grow in winter, and sufficient moisture needs to be ensured.
The Correct Way to Water Clivia
1. Water in the Right Amount
Some people hear that clivia is a moisture-loving plant and water it every day, causing the potting soil to stay wet for a long time, with insufficient air in the soil, and the root system becomes severely oxygen-deprived and rots. Another type of person is afraid to water, worrying that it will rot the roots, so each time they give only a little water or spray the pot, sprinkling water only on the leaves. In fact, the inside of the pot is dry, and over a long period this causes the clivia to grow slowly, with leaves withering, and even withering away and dying.
The correct method is not to water until the soil in the pot is dry, and when watering, water thoroughly without leakage, which both ensures even contact between water and the root system and avoids the loss of soil nutrients. If you pour only a little water, the roots in the pot get no water. In a deep pot, the soil and the pot separate, forming a boundary layer. Once water is poured, the water leaks out from the pot wall, so even though water has been added, the middle and lower layers of soil are still dry.
2. Time and Water Temperature
Watering should be done at 8 in the morning, and tap water or well water should be left to sit for 2~3 days so that the water temperature approaches room temperature. In summer, the watering time is around 7 in the morning, and no water should be given when the temperature is high at noon. For clivia that is 1~2 years old, it can be watered once a day; for those over 3 years old, the watering cycle can be flexibly controlled according to the dry and wet conditions of the potting soil. In winter, watering should be done at noon, because the soil temperature is lower, and water at 30~35°C can be used for irrigation to raise the soil temperature, which is beneficial for earlier flowering.
3. Water Quality Treatment
The water used to irrigate clivia is generally tap water in cities, while in villages it is mostly well water. Neither of these two types of water is suitable and they must be treated before use. The methods are as follows:
The suitable pH value of water is 5.5~6.5. Water with a pH value of less than 7, such as tap water, can be used after standing under natural conditions for 1~2 days. When the pH value is greater than 7, a small amount of ferrous sulfate or monopotassium phosphate can be added to the water to neutralize well water.
Both tap water and well water are lower than the soil temperature and contain certain impurities, which are not conducive to the growth of clivia. The substances in the water can be oxidized and the impurities can settle, and the water temperature approaches the soil temperature, after the water has been left standing for 1~2 days.