Adding a new tab to our indoor plants (you could already have a real orchard at home!). In this case it is  Clivia miniata , a bulbous of African origin and large flowers, very popular as an indoor plant , of great resistance and perfect for those who are new to gardening. Do you want to meet her?

CLIVIA MINIATA , AN AFRICAN HERBACEOUS PERFECT FOR YOUR GARDEN

The  Clivia miniata  is a herbaceous used to indoor climates that does not usually reach 50 cm in height. It has fleshy, evergreen leaves and large orange flowers that appear in February / March.

THE WEATHER AND LIGHTING. WHERE DO I PLACE MY POT WITH  CLIVIA MINIATA ?

This herbaceous usually inhabits areas with semi- darkness or shade . In the place where you have it (outside if you live in a temperate climate and inside if it is rather cold) it should not give direct sunlight. As for the climate, it is not very resistant to frost, being the optimum growth temperature of 20 ºC, perfect for a house or a patio of lights when the good weather comes. Of course, in summer, when temperatures rise,  Clivia miniata requires a mild and cool climate . At no time should you allow it to be exposed directly to the sun, as you will notice a general decay and burns on its leaves.

STARTING WITH  CLIVIA MINIATA , WHICH SUBSTRATE TO CHOOSE?

It is important to select the best type of substrate for its cultivation. The ideal mix consists of peat, soil and sand, incorporating decomposed manure , during its growth. In spring and summer, coinciding with the time of maximum vegetative activity of  Clivia miniata,  a complete fertilizer for indoor plants can be applied every 15 days .

IRRIGATION, HOW OFTEN DO I DO IT?

A distinction must be made between the flowering stage and the rest of vegetative growth. During flowering we establish a watering of 1 time a week , being careful not to flood the substrate. The  Clivia miniata is sensitive to the problems of drainage and water accumulation. It is better to fall short of watering than to go overboard. As for the rest of the season, in winter, simply check that the soil does not dry out excessively and add water when the substrate becomes caked.

HOW TO MULTIPLY  CLIVIA MINIATA

There are different ways to get new plants of  Clivia miniata ,  either with genetic variability from seeds , or plants identical to the mother, through root cuttings (rhizomes). Ah! and also by suckers.

The multiplication by seeds is the method commonly used, especially on a commercial scale, but as in most cases takes longer, especially with  Clivia miniata. Once the seeds are obtained, it is necessary to ripen them for 9-10 months. After this time, they cannot be kept for much longer (months) because they quickly lose their germination power. Once sown in a culture tray at the same temperature as the plant grows (20º C), it will take around 30 or 45 days for it to germinate.

In the case of suckers , when they appear close to the trunk of the mother, those stems between 5 and 7 centimeters or have more than 3 leaves are selected.

 SOME PLANT DISORDERS

As for the possible problems that may appear in the cultivation of  Clivia miniata, there are some that we have already mentioned indirectly.

• The first of these would be burns caused by direct exposure to the sun. If they occur, you have to move the plant indoors and increase the humidity.
• Excess water : like most fleshy plants (with thick leaves) they have a large store of water, so they can withstand periods of drought quite well. Better lack of water than excess.
• Some pests such as the cottony mealybug that settle on the leaves. You will see and identify it very well. The best way to remove them economically and ecologically is to rub the leaves with an alcohol wipe and remove them manually.