I was given 4 clivias as a gift 5 years ago. Only one of them has flowered, and that one had a very short stalk. When I received them, they all had 'aerial' roots. I didn't know anything about clivias so I asked the person who gave them to me if they were supposed to be like that. She said they were and all hers were doing the same thing. Are they supposed to be like that? I was going to repot and bury all the roots. Should I? Also would it be better to use clay or plastic pots? Any advice? Thanks. Marric
Clay pots are preferable. Try to keep the roots below soil level so repot with the roots emerging from the crown just below the soil level. Clivia grow in forest duff that accumulates annually, hence the formation of roots higher on the crown. Use a good potting soil with a fair amount of chunky material mixed in (ie. shredded pine bark) for good drainage. Shields Gardens
Thanks for the advice. I only have plastic pots at the moment but will go out and get some clay ones this weekend and do some much needed repotting! Thanks again. Marric
Have been growing Clivia now for almost 8 years. First plant was given to me by a dying woman who had cancer and she made me promise that whenever I subdivided that I give the plants to friends. Clivia's love to be rootbound so don't be ready to repot them so quickly, possible why yours haven't flowered. I just subdivided mine this year for the first time and got 8 new plants. Don't expect them to bloom for a year. Clay pots are the best I agree but they can get heavy, I keep mine in plastic and place them in the shade in the spring time.
marric What a beautiful plant the clivia, would love to have one now here is some advice. Clivias like bright light with early-morning or late-afternoon sun. They grow most actively from very spring through fall. During these months a night temperature above 50 and a day time temperature of 70 degrees or warmer is best. Feed them every month and water them regularly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between deep watering's. During late fall (November and December) give them a short rest by withholding fertilizer and watering them only enough to keep the leaves from wilting. During their rest period try to keep them in a location where the night temperature is in the forties. If you can’t provide cool nights, the flowers may bloom prematurely on a stalk that doesn’t rise completely above the foliage. Warm temperatures will also shorten the life of the flowers
There is a great book about clivias by Harold Koopowitz called 'Clivias'. Tells about their history, breeding and has many wonderful photos of different colors etc. I recommend it if you are taken with clivias.