More Clivia pics

[stonedragonfarms]

Originally Posted by SheilaJ

I have one, but it's been in isolation for quite a while because it used to have mealy. I guess I'll let it rejoin the herd.

I was wondering about kind of media to use when I repot - I think I read about fir bark somewhere? Seems like the roots and leaves are similar to phals - could I just use my leftover BetterGrow phal mix? Right now, it's in soilless potting mix with extra perlite.

Is there a rule of thumb about how big they need to be to bloom, and how much to fertilize?

Sheila
I think pretty much any mix will work so long as it is capable of holding moisture and is very free draining. I use a soilfree mix (peat based) with extra perlite added to it. As far as size before they bloom...I am not real sure, I have heard they need 9 or more leaves (which sounds like horsefeathers to me) though being potbound does help; with most of them, resist the urge to repot and they will do well. If you need to replace the mix, gently pry them from the pot, rinse the "soil" from the roots and return them to a similar sized pot. I fertilize mine as I do cymbidiums, that is to say heavily, from mid May until mid October, remembering to leach the pots once a month or so with just clear water. After mid October they are getting ready to rest for the winter, so I essentially stop watering them and strat cooling them down. I will resume regular watering starting in February.
Hope this helps, perhaps Dorothy can chime in with how she grows as well...
Adam

[Tindomul]

Originally Posted by Paul

Don't feel bad, Tindo -- I've never gotten mine to bloom and I've had them over 7 yrs now [probably close to 10. Figure come spring I'll try to trade a couple of them off if an interesting trade can be found.

Well, I think it took that long to bloom mine as well. Last year when they did bloom, what I did for the summer season was give them warm days and cool nights (AC). I think that may have helped.
Now however, the Mealy Bug War of '07-'08 is currently raging in the battle of the Clivias. 3 Clivias and my Starfish Cactus are heavily affected. I've been spraying insecticide heavily every three days or so.

[Dorothy]

What I have used in equal parts is Mircle-Gro potting soil with time release fertilizer, sand and peat.
Adam is spot on with his care
Here are some links that talk about potting mix and then some -
North American Clivia Society: Caring for Clivia
Clivia

[stonedragonfarms]

Originally Posted by stonedragonfarms

Hey all...thought I'd share the clivia that are just coming on for me...
Enjoy.
Adam

Everyone is now in full bloom...this is the first year that they've been the intense peachy orange...in the past they've been a bit more pastelish (sort of washed out in my opinion)
Adam

[moogiemama]

Your clivia is beautiful! Mine is humongous but I won't see any blooming until later in the year, probably after I'm able to place it outdoors. It will send up stalks in succession and bloom until late fall. I currently have 3 berries on the old stalks and will harvest them soon and attempt to grow the seeds. Since the mother plant is so big I will need to divide it at some point, otherwise, I won't be able to lift it any more! I've noticed the first series of blooms start out bright orange and they tend to be lighter in color as the newer stalks flower. I love this plant and have made some mistakes with it but it has survived and rewards me every year - sometimes twice a year. - Lynn

[Dorothy]

WOW
Awesome! Adam!