Clivia plants, known for their striking orange, yellow, or cream-colored blooms and robust, strap-like foliage, are cherished houseplants that can thrive for decades. Periodic repotting helps maintain their vigor and encourages consistent flowering, ensuring their continued health.
Why and When to Repot Clivia
Clivia plants typically need repotting every three to five years. The primary reason is when the plant becomes significantly root-bound, with its fleshy roots filling and circling the pot. Over time, the potting medium also degrades, losing structure and nutrients, which can hinder the plant’s growth.
Visual cues indicating a need for repotting include roots emerging from drainage holes or pushing up through the soil surface. Stunted growth despite consistent care or the plant appearing top-heavy are also signs. Repotting is best done after the plant has finished its flowering cycle, typically in late spring to early summer, before it enters a period of active new growth. This timing allows the plant to recover from the disturbance without interrupting its bloom production.
Preparing for Repotting Clivia
Choose a new pot only one size larger than the current one (one to two inches wider in diameter), as Clivias prefer to be somewhat root-bound. Overpotting can cause excess moisture retention, increasing root rot risk and deterring flowering. Terracotta pots are often favored for their porosity, promoting better air circulation and even soil drying.
The potting mix is equally important, requiring excellent drainage and aeration for Clivia’s unique root system. A suitable mix should be slightly acidic (pH 5.5-6.5). Effective combinations include two parts medium-grade pine bark, one part ericaceous compost, and one part perlite or horticultural grit. Alternatively, use a mix of pine bark fines, peat moss or coco coir, and perlite or pumice for drainage and moisture retention. Have gloves to protect from sap and sterilized pruning shears ready.
Step-by-Step Clivia Repotting
Gently remove the Clivia from its current pot, turning it upside down and shaking it free, especially if root-bound. Loosen intertwined roots and wash away old potting mix to reveal any hidden pests. Inspect the root ball, trimming away dead, mushy, or damaged roots with sterilized shears.
Add a fresh layer of well-draining potting mix to the new pot, forming a cone shape in the center to position the plant. Place the Clivia onto this cone, spreading its roots evenly. Ensure the plant’s crown, where leaves emerge, remains at or slightly above the new soil level to prevent rot.
Gradually fill the pot with fresh potting mix, tapping or jiggling to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets. Avoid compressing the soil too firmly, as this impedes drainage and aeration. Handle fleshy roots with care, as they are susceptible to damage.
After Repotting Care for Clivia
After repotting, withhold water for about a week. This dry period allows minor root injuries to heal and callus, reducing fungal infection or rot risk.
Place the repotted Clivia in bright, indirect light, away from direct sunlight which can scorch leaves, especially during recovery.
Avoid applying fertilizer for several weeks; the fresh potting mix provides sufficient nutrients, and early fertilization can burn sensitive roots. Monitor for signs of shock like wilting or yellowing leaves, though Clivias are resilient. Once new growth appears (typically 2-4 weeks), gradually resume watering, allowing the top inch of soil to dry between waterings. Then, introduce a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer as directed to support continued growth.