What to Do When the Side Leaves of Clivia Miniata Rot
Clivia Miniata, as an indoor potted plant with extremely high ornamental value, the health of its leaves directly affects the overall aesthetic appeal. It is crucial to take timely and correct measures when side leaves show signs of rot. This article will systematically analyze the solutions to side leaf rot from three dimensions: soil improvement, root adjustment, and diseased leaf treatment.
Ⅰ. Soil Environment Optimization Plan
1.1 Principle of Substrate Improvement
Mixing humus soil with pearl rock in a 3:1 ratio and adding 5% fermented pine needles can significantly improve drainage. It is recommended to change the soil every two years to prevent soil compaction, which can lead to root suffocation. During the operation, keep 1/3 of the protective soil to reduce root damage.
1.2 Emergency Soil Replacement Techniques
When the potting soil has become severely compacted, an emergency pot change is needed: gently tap the soil clump after removing the plant from the pot, retaining the soil around the main roots. Place a 3cm layer of ceramic stones at the bottom of the new pot, use disinfected orchid-specific soil for replanting, and after watering thoroughly, place it in a shady area to recover.
Ⅱ. Key Measures for Root Care
2.1 Root Raising Operation Specifications
Rot caused by deep burial requires root raising: loosen the soil along the pot wall with a gardening spade, and slowly lift the pseudobulb 1-2 cm. After the operation, fill with red jade soil to stabilize, keeping 1/3 of the pseudobulb exposed above the soil surface to ensure the breathing pores are open.
2.2 Root Health Inspection
Simultaneously check the root condition during root raising: healthy roots are milky white and plump, while rotten roots are black and soft. Black roots should be trimmed immediately, and the wound should be treated with wood ash or sulfur powder to kill bacteria.
Ⅲ. Full Process of Diseased Leaf Treatment
3.1 Precise Pruning Techniques
Use scissors disinfected with alcohol to make an oblique cut 1 cm below the rotting area. Apply thiophanate-methyl fungicide to the cut and cover with plastic wrap to keep the cut dry. Severely rotten leaves should be removed completely to prevent the spread of pathogens.
3.2 Key Points for Environmental Disinfection
The original potting soil needs to be treated at high temperature: place in a sealed bag and expose to sunlight for 3 days, or heat in a microwave oven at medium power for 5 minutes. Soak the pot in a 10% sodium hypochlorite solution for 2 hours, then dry it to ensure complete elimination of pathogens.
Through systematic management, Clivia Miniata can usually recover in 2-3 weeks. Daily maintenance should keep the environmental humidity between 40-60%, provide 50% shade in summer, and maintain temperatures above 15°C in winter to prevent leaf disease from the root cause.