Nurseryman and breeder of fine clivias, Peter Hey, shares common problems with solutions to help you grow beautiful clivias.
This baby pink clivia is stunning, but is incredibly rare to come by. Look for it at plant fairs or consider joining clivia societies to increase your chances of finding one!
There are hundreds of clivia cultivars due to the explosion of interest and breeding in the past few decades. Burnished orange, red, lemon, peach and apricot shades have been introduced to the clivia genus. Variegated foliage is another fascinating option for lovers of clivia. Here are some common problems and solutions.
Why are my clivias rotting?
Too wet! Poor drainage and moist conditions create a perfect situation for fungal development. Reduce watering and apply dolomite (magnesium lime) in autumn to help build stronger resistance to fungus attack.
How can I improve the flowering?
Apply granular potash (potassium sulphate) in late summer and early autumn to stimulate flowering. Sprinkle half a small handful to each adult plant. You will enhance the colouring of your clivias if you feed them every three months during growing season with pelletised poultry manure.
'Vicki', a cream-yellow bred by Ray Sidote
Clivia is susceptible to mealybug and caterpillars; what is the best control?
Maintain a diverse planting of perennials, shrubs and trees around your clivias to encourage natural predators to control these pests.
Mealybug has a ‘cotton wool’ appearance, and lives in leaf crevices. To eliminate mealy bug, mix half cup water with 10 percent methylated spirits and two drops of detergent, and apply with a cotton bud.
The Australian lily caterpillar (Spodoptera picta) is a serious pest of clivia. The adult moth has a wingspan approximately 5cm across and lays eggs in clusters on susceptible plants. The caterpillar is coloured black/mottled grey, grows up to 5cm long. They have several distinctive yellow and/or white stripes running the full length of the body. The caterpillar pupates in leaf litter or soil before emerging as adult moths to start the cycle again. There are several generations a year with the most damage noticed during the warmer months. Damage caused by the lily caterpillar is severe and can result in plant death. Check frequently for caterpillars as they can devour a plant overnight! Crush and dispose any pupal casings you find. These casings are small, 12mm cigar-shaped and shiny brown.
A bi-colour picotee, newly developed by Peter Hey
What are the best growing conditions for clivia?
Dry shade, avoid hot westly aspect. Clivia is perfect for growing under hedges and tree lines where they are protected from direct overhead sun. Ideal for planting along narrow pathways between buildings, providing easy care and hardy evergreen planting with spectacular spring flowers that last for weeks. Potted clivias will happily grow on east and north facing balcony or courtyard.
Hirao green type.
Is clivia suited to pot culture?
Clivias thrive in pots but good drainage is essential. Use a friable, open potting medium (like orchid mix) with a little compost added, 75 percent coarse orchid mix with 25 percent compost or quality potting mix.
Clivias grow well in pots with the roots eventually filling the pot and becoming crowded. Divide your clivia every 4–5 years by splitting the clump with a spade or sharp tool.
The roots of clivia are thick and fleshy and can store excess water and nutriments. When established, they will survive for lengthy periods (months) without watering, an exceptionally hardy water miser plant!
'Kobi', a recurved orange bred by Ray Sidote.
What is the best fertiliser and when should it be applied?
Regular mulching with well composted organic material gives good long-term results. Supplement feeding with 8–9 month granular slow-release fertilizer in March and September – rate of 1 dessert spoon each adult plant. Look for an NPK of 18-6-12 or similar, which also includes trace elements for a complete balanced feed. I use Osmocote Exact Standard 8-9 month, which contains trace elements for a complete balanced feed and brilliant flowers.
When planting clivia into the garden, add a little blood and bone, a small handful of dolomite and ‘shallow plant’ to avoid water logging. Top up the mulch every 3–6 months.
Where to buy
A selection of fabulous varieties and colours will be available at the Spring Clivia Show, organised by Clivia Society of NSW, 7-8 September 2024, 9am–3pm. Thornleigh Community Centre, Thornleigh NSW. For more info, visit facebook.com/cliviasocietyofnsw/
Follow Peter Hey on Instagram, @justcliveasandrarethings. You can also purchase clivias and other rare plants online: jcart.com.au
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