Clivia caulescens
The Genus Clivia comes from
South Africa. They grow naturally in the forests and bush lands of the
subtropical regions from the Eastern Cape to the Transvaal. There are 4 species
in this genus, Clivia miniata being the most variable and commonly grown. The
other 3 species, C. gardenii, C. caulescens and C. nobilis are only recently
becoming more known and widespread. Many Clivia growers/breeders are using the
species to create interspecific (the crossing or breeding of two of the same
species), hybrids. This is resulting in many varied shapes and colours in
Clivia.
Growing
Clivia here in our garden has been an adventure to say the least. I have had
many failures in trying to find the right medium. I have tried many types of
medium, buying ready-to-use at my local nursery and using straight from the bag,
and making mediums from scratch with individual parts, (1 part sand, 1 part
compost, 1 part perlite, 4 parts pine chips), going to make up the medium.
The
best result thus far is a product called Debco Complete Orchid Growing Medium
5-10mm. I can pot anything from seeds to a 10-year-old bulb up into this medium
with great results. After opening the back I spray the hose and wet the medium,
leave for 1/2 a day and then I use this straight from the bag. It always help to
add a liquid fertilizer to the pine chips too! In warmer areas, this medium is
known to dry out. To slow the drying of the medium, add a
small % of peat moss on top of the pot and wash in. This will create
pockets of moisture to help sustain the Clivia until the next watering.
Clivia
love food during the growing season. In the wild, Clivia grow where there is
plenty of rotting vegetation and food is on hand, when it rains, at all times.
With this in mind, I have been placing a small handful of cow manure on top of
each pot in a little heap. This usually covers a 1/5th of the surface area of
the top. I keep watering as usual until the food disappears. I will then place
more on the top of the pot. This process that I have adopted and certainly
helped my Clivia along.
Clivia
are frost sensitive. They will do well in a fernery , plants well in under trees
or under the back veranda, provided the frost does not reach them. In our region
Clivia grow well and a double layer of 75% green shade cloth. Our summer sun and
heat can crispy-fry most shade loving plants. You decide some thing about
Clivia, the more Clivia plants you get, the better conditions you want to
provide. Why? Because they get into your heart and you begin to love them. That
is when the Clivia addiction starts!
I
hope these brief notes help.
Clivia
make great friendships!
Dash.
Clivia gardenii
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A
disk of images and cultivation information called 'Wild Bulbs of the Eastern Cape' is
available from Cameron McMaster. This disk is a highly informative and
extremely pictorial collection, captured by Cameron whilst collecting seeds
out in the field. Cameron McMaster is one of South Africa's most noted
naturalists, whose enthusiasm shines through on this information available.
His love of the plants and the surrounding environment resounds through this
disk. I consider myself very lucky to have a friendship with such a dedicated
and personable gentleman.
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Order
Wild Bulbs of the Eastern Cape disk
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