Yes, clivia plants are rare and can be tricky to find. They are native to tropical and subtropical regions of South Africa and Mozambique, so they are not easily accessible outside of these regions. Clivia plants have been steadily increasing in popularity since Victorian times, however, so you may be able to find them for sale at specialty nurseries.
As clivia plants do not typically produce many offsets, it is important to collect seeds to ensure sustainability. Furthermore, due to their delicate nature, clivia plants prefer a very specific environment which is not easily replicated in most homes, so they may be more difficult to keep alive in a home environment.
Why are my clivias yellow?
The yellowing of clivias is most likely due to lack of sunlight, improper fertilisation, inadequate water or pest infestation. Clivias need consistent light, water and fertiliser to stay healthy and produce popular yellow and orange flowers.
When clivias don’t get the right amount of light, water and fertiliser, they start to yellow and their flowers become less vibrant. To avoid this, make sure the clivias are getting between four and six hours of sun each day and provide them with water when the soil is dry up to one inch deep.
Then feed the plant once every two or three weeks with a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) diluted to half its strength throughout the growing season. If your clivias still appear to be yellowing or wilting, then it could be a sign of pest infestations such as aphids and mealybugs, and it is best to seek help from a professional in order to treat the problem.
How do you grow clivias yellow?
To achieve a yellow flowering Clivia, you should focus on fertilizing the plant with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer or use a fertilizer with a higher phosphorus-potassium ratio, like 8-7-6 or 8-9-7. Amending the soil can also help to achieve a yellow flowering Clivia.
Adding sulfur-rich amendments such as composted manure or bone meal and avoiding fertilizers high in iron can also help. To further encourage yellow flowering, Clivias should be given more light than ideal to force their blooms to a vibrant shade of yellow.
This should be done carefully, as excessive light can cause too many blooms to open at once, increasing the risk of disease. Additionally, the plant should be protected from extreme temperatures, such as below 55°F and above 75°F.
Finally, watering the plants deeply but less frequently than usual can help to reduce the risk of disease and stimulate more blooms.
What colour do clivias come in?
Clivias come in a variety of colors including orange, yellow, cream, and a reddish-orange hue. They die only bloom during certain times of the year in certain areas, but many plant owners enjoy watching the blooms in all their different shades of yellow, orange, and cream.
Orange being the commonest colour and the most popular, but the abundance of yellows and creams is quite extraordinary. The reddish-orange colour can come in both single and double-flowered varieties and can produce quite a stunning display of colour when in bloom.
Varied shades of green and lighter yellow are common among the foliage.
Is there a white clivia?
Yes, there is indeed a white clivia. The white clivia has been selectively bred to produce its unique hue, and is often referred to as the ‘white clivia hybrid’. This beautiful flower consists of clusters of pure white flowers with mid-green foliage and grows best in warm and well-lit places.
Its blooming period is from late winter to early spring. Because of its unique look, this plant has become popular among gardeners and horticulturists alike. It is hardy and easy to grow, provided it gets enough light and water, and the soil is kept moist.
As with any other flowering plant, deadheading of spent blooms can help encourage new growth and blooms. Adding a mixture of compost to the soil can help the soil retain its moisture and provide additional nutrients to the plant.
Lastly, it is important to note that while some clivia varieties can tolerate low light levels, white clivia will not prosper in low light environments.
What time of year do clivias flower?
Clivias, which are also known as Kaffir Lilies, typically flower during the spring and early summer months. Depending on the variety, the exact timing can range from late March to early July. The flowers, which come in colors such as rich orange, yellow, and golden apricot, can last up to 3 months, with the bright colors fading to a creamier hue by the end of summer.
The plants also require bright, indirect light and should be protected from direct sunlight. As part of their growing requirements, it’s important to keep the soil consistently moist and never allow it to dry out.
With proper care, your clivia will put on a beautiful show for many springs to come.
Do clivias multiply?
Yes, clivias do multiply. This is a relatively easy process that can be done with moderate success by both the novice and experienced gardener. The easiest way to multiply clivias is to divide and repot the rootball of the clivia.
Autumn is the best time to do this. First, remove the clivia from its pot, which will expose the rootball of the plant. Gently separate the sections with your hands, while making sure to avoid breaking the delicate roots.
Plant each new section in a well-draining potting soil, making sure to not plant the crown of the plant too deeply. Place the pot in a sheltered, light-filled spot and give the plants regular watering.
With proper care in the right environment, your clivia should start to multiply.
Are clivias self pollinating?
No, clivias are not self-pollinating. In order for clivias to produce flowers and fruit, pollination between different clivias is required. When one clivia’s anthers (pollen bearing organ of a flower) come into contact with the female stigma (top of the pistil, the female organ of the flower), pollen is transferred and the clivia will produce fruit.
Insects such as bees play an important role in pollinating clivias, transferring pollen from flower to flower. Unfortunately, due to the fragrant scent of clivia flowers and limited number of bees, it can be difficult to get the desired level of pollination needed to produce fruit.
To increase chances of pollination, hand pollination may be required depending on the clivia variety. A small paintbrush can be used to transfer pollen between plants to ensure successful pollination.
Additionally, growing multiple clivia plants in close proximity can increase pollination rates.
How often should I water clivia?
Clivia plants should be watered deeply and regularly to keep the soil evenly moist. Depending on the environment, they may need to be watered once or twice a week. In general, Cliva plants should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch.
It is important to avoid over-watering. Signs of overwatering include yellowed, wilted leaves and blackened roots. If the leaves become too soft and limp, the plant should be allowed to dry out and given a good deep drink of water.
It is also beneficial to water the plant from the bottom of the pot to prevent root rot.
Where is the place to plant clivia?
Clivia is an elegant and lush perennial that is ideal for growing indoors or in sheltered areas of the garden. When selecting where to plant clivia, look for a spot with bright, indirect sunlight. Clivia thrives in well-draining, soil rich in organic matter like compost.
When planting clivia, space plants 10-12 inches apart or in containers and keep the soil moist throughout the growing season. Clivia is generally not picky about soil pH, but it prefers slightly acidic soils with a balanced pH between 6.0-7.
0. Clivia also requires annual fertilization with a balanced fertilizer to encourage blooming. If planted in an outdoor garden, mulching with a thick layer of organic material will help protect the roots from temperature extremes and moisture loss.
Can you over water clivias?
Yes, you can over water clivias. Clivias need to be watered regularly, but not excessively. Too much water can cause root rot, which can kill clivias. The soil should be kept moist, but not soggy. To test for moisture, stick your finger into the soil.
If it’s damp, you don’t need to water. If it’s dry, give the clivia a good, deep soaking. Let the excess water drain away, and don’t let the pot sit in water. Regular fertilizing and repotting can also cause the plant to become too wet, so be careful with those activities as well.
Is Epsom salt good for clivias?
Yes, Epsom salt can be beneficial for clivias when added to the soil. Epsom salt contains magnesium, which helps to ensure that the soil has the right pH balance for the plant and helps with healthy root and foliage growth.
Clivias, which are native to South Africa, need plenty of iron, magnesium and other essential minerals to thrive. Adding Epsom salt to the soil or foliar feeding with a weak solution of Epsom salt helps to provide these essential minerals.
Furthermore, Epsom salt flushes out excess salts that can build up over time in the soil, thus preventing plant burn and correcting nutrient deficiencies. However, Epsom salt should be used in moderation as too much can cause burning of foliage and roots due to the high saline content.
Too little of the salt can also be ineffective, so it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying and always go by the lower recommendation when in doubt.
How many leaves does a clivia need to bloom?
In order to bloom, a clivia needs to have at least 4 to 7 leaves, depending on the variety. In general, a clivia plant needs enough leaves to establish energy reserves to form a flower. As long as the plant has the energy reserves from the leaves and proper lighting, it should bloom.
Generally, it takes clivias about 18-24 months to bloom from seed. If the clivia is in optimal conditions with the correct amount of light and temperature, it may take as little as 6 months for the plant to bloom.
Do clivia plants like to be root bound?
Clivia plants prefer to be slightly root bound. When the roots of a Clivia plant have filled the pot, it is time to repot with a similar size pot to keep it slightly rootbound. This can be done every two or three years.
If you wait too long to repot, you can damage the roots when they make their way out of the pot. Clivia plants usually thrive when their roots are slightly confined and they can suffer if they are left in a large pot for too long.
The soil should also be well-draining with organic material, such as an equal mix of soil, sand and peat moss. For best results, fertilize your Clivia every month from spring to summer and avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot.
When should you repot a clivia?
You should repot a clivia when its roots reach the edge of the pot and it’s beginning to overgrow. You typically want to repot clivia every two to three years. More frequent repotting may be necessary if the plant becomes pot bound or the potting soil has broken down quickly.
When you repot, you should use a quality potting soil and a container that is just one size larger than the root ball. If the roots have begun to circle round, you will need to gently pull them apart so they can grow freely in the new soil.
It is also a good idea to drench the roots in lukewarm water just before replanting to help the plant settle into its new home. Water after repotting, but avoid fertilising for at least a month. Ultimately, the frequency of repotting will depend on how quickly the clivia outgrows its current pot and the health of the potting soil.
When should clivia be divided?
Clivia should be divided when they become overcrowded. Overcrowding can result in an irregular or clumped growth of the plant and its blooms. Signs of overcrowding include a too-thick tuft of leaves, the plants of not flowering normally, the leaves becoming pale, the center of the clump appearing dead, or the lower leaves becoming yellow and then dying.
Once these signs of overcrowding are noticed, it is advisable to divide the clivia by removing offsets from the parent plant and then replanting them in a new container of fresh, new potting soil. Dividing the clivia will ensure that the plant regains its strength and blooms regularly.
Do Clivias like full sun?
No, clivias, more commonly referred to as kaffir lilies, do not prefer full sun, as they can be easily damaged by too much light. Clivias will do best when planted in a partially shaded area or in a spot that receives shade for at least part of the day.
In areas with hot summers, it is especially important to provide clivias with some shade during the hottest part of the day. When growing in full sun, clivias may develop yellow or burned-looking leaves and may have difficulty blooming.
As a general rule, the more shade clivias can receive, the better they will grow and bloom.
What Should I Feed My clivia plants?
Clivia plants should be fed a balanced liquid fertilizer such as a 20-10-20, which is available in most garden centers. Water the plant thoroughly after application and apply the fertilizer in small amounts every four to six weeks during the growing season.
Make sure to dilute the fertilizer according to the directions on the label. Clivia plants also benefit from an occasional feeding of compost tea. To make this at home fill a 5-gallon bucket with compost and water and let sit for one to two days.
Strain, dilute to one-quarter strength and use as you would any fertilizer. In addition to a regular feeding schedule, your clivia plants will benefit from periodically mulching. Compost, bark, and wood chips are all suitable mulching materials and will provide much-needed nutrients to your plants.