Hello,
I’ve had this clavia problem for a few years.
I’ve treated it with Sulphur Dust because I thought it might be rust, but it didn’t help.
It’s indoors in a north facing room, about 2ft diameter, and gets watered every few weeks. I’ve used 10-10-10 fertilizers periodically in the winter to help it bloom.
Please help,
Thank you for contacting the Toronto Master Gardeners regarding problems with your Clivia plant.
It’s possible that your Clivia is showing signs of gradual decline because it requires a different care routine.
Clivias need adequate light to remain healthy.
According to this reference, a north-facing window might be a good place for your plant in the winter, but it will need more (indirect) light in the spring and summer months. We recommend an east-facing window ideally. The same reference suggests that the plant can be “moved outdoors over the summer months, after hardening off, into a warm, sheltered spot.”
Your plant may need repotting if the soil does not provide adequate air to the roots. The best way to grow Clivia is to plant it in a pot in a coarse, well-drained potting soil. Orchid mixes are ideal.
Correct watering routine is very important as well. This article explains how to water effectively. In addition, the same article recommends the following approach to promote flowering: “Over winter, move Clivias to a cool or unheated room, at about 10°C (50°F). An enclosed porch, cool hallway, or a conservatory, greenhouse or similar, might also suit. This mimics the winter conditions in the plant’s native South Africa, and stimulates it to start flowering in spring.”
Your plant fertilizer regime needs some adjusting. This source offers a good advice on fertilizing houseplants: “As a rule of thumb, only fertilize houseplants when they are actively growing, because plants only use added nutrients when they are producing new leaves, roots, etc. This means putting away the fertilizer from October until the spring. March is a good time to start fertilizing, and most houseplants will benefit from an application once every 1 – 3 months depending on which formulation is being used.”
I hope you find this information helpful! Best of luck with your Clivia!