Hydroponic Clivia Encyclopedia

Can it be hydroponically grown?

Hydroponics

Nowadays, most families still use the soil-cultured method to grow Clivia. After seeing other green plants grown in water, they will wonder if my Clivia can be grown in water? The answer is of course yes, Clivia can be grown hydroponically! And the hydroponic method of Clivia is very simple.

The role of hydroponic Clivia

Clivia itself has ornamental value, and its appearance is greatly improved after hydroponics. As the saying goes, it looks like a line when viewed from the side and like an open fan when viewed from the front. In the cold winter months when everything is covered with ice and snow, the hydroponic Clivia blooms vigorously indoors, full of vitality.

Hydroponics Method

Container selection

A very critical factor in hydroponics is the container. A suitable container is not only beautiful but also conducive to the growth of the plants. Generally speaking, transparent glass containers are best, as they make it easier to observe underwater conditions. But if you are raising a seedling, you only need a glass bottle (the editor also grows Clivia in water at home. He goes directly to the supermarket to buy a bottle of yogurt. He wants the glass bottle. After drinking the yogurt, he can use it after disinfection. It is super convenient.) If the plant is slightly larger, you can directly use the fish tank instead.

Water requirements

The hydroponic Clivia cannot be grown directly with tap water. It must use "trapped" water, which means leaving the tap water or exposing it to the sun for 2-3 days to allow harmful chlorine such as bleach in the tap water to evaporate, reducing damage to the roots. From the surface, the "trapped" water will have lumps of sediment at the bottom and the water will appear light green.

When hydroponically growing plants, submerge the roots but not the pseudobulbs, and pay attention to the depth of the water. If the water level is too shallow, the Clivia cannot get enough water. If the water level is too deep, it will easily cause root rot. During the maintenance process, pay attention to the water quality. If you find that the roots turn black or yellow, change the water immediately.

Light and air

Clivia is suitable for growing in a semi-shade and semi-sun environment. Pay attention to light when growing hydroponically, especially in summer, avoid direct sunlight and just receive scattered light. To ensure that the leaves receive even light, rotate the flower pot regularly.

All things need sufficient oxygen to grow, so sufficient oxygen should be ensured in hydroponics. You can raise a few small fish in a container. If the small fish swim freely, it means there is enough oxygen in the water. If the small fish always float to the surface to breathe, it means there is a lack of oxygen in the water and oxygen supplementation is needed.

Specific steps

First, choose a healthy and disease-free Clivia, soak it in potassium permanganate solution for 10 minutes, and then wash it with clean water. Try not to damage the roots, and use scissors to remove old and diseased roots.

Then place it in clean water that has been left to dry for 2 days and keep the water temperature between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius.

At the beginning, the depth of the roots submerged in water should be 1/3-1/2; gradually increase the amount until the roots are completely immersed in water. However, if water droplets appear on the tips of leaves, the water level must be lowered immediately. Change the water every three days or so.

New roots will sprout from the base of the pseudobulb in 10-15 days. Add water until it covers one-half to one-third of the root system. When the new roots grow to about 5 cm, it means that the hydroponics is successful. After that, you can use nutrient solution for cultivation.

Common problems and solutions

Root rot

The biggest feature of hydroponic plants is that you can see the white roots, but the roots are also very prone to diseases. So what should we do when the roots of hydroponic Clivia rot?

The Clivia should be taken out first and the roots should be dried. Then soak it in diluted Benomyl solution for a few hours, then cut off the rotten roots and put it back into the container with new water and nutrient solution. After placing it in a cool and ventilated place for a week, it will basically recover.

Yellow spots

Green leafy plants are most afraid of yellowing leaves. If yellow spots appear on hydroponic Clivia, it may be due to the following situations.

1. Insufficient light. Clivia likes sunlight, but be careful not to expose it to strong light;

2. The water level is too high, which hinders the growth of roots. The roots should be raised appropriately, with the water level only reaching three-quarters of the roots.

3. Too much/too little nutrient solution. No nutrient solution needs to be added in winter, but an appropriate amount can be added in spring and autumn.