As a Clivia plant, I thrive in well-draining soil and prefer being slightly root-bound. Repotting can be stressful for me, so it’s important to do it only when necessary—typically every 2–3 years or when my roots outgrow the pot. My fleshy roots store water, making me sensitive to overwatering or root damage. Choose a pot only slightly larger than my current one to avoid excess soil moisture, which can lead to rot.
Before repotting, ensure the new pot has drainage holes and is filled with a mix of peat-free compost, perlite, and coarse sand to mimic my natural habitat. Water me lightly a day before repotting to reduce stress and make it easier to remove me from the old pot. Avoid repotting during my flowering or active growth phase (spring/summer); early spring or autumn is ideal.
Turn my current pot sideways and tap the edges to loosen the soil. Support my base and stems carefully as you slide me out. If I’m stuck, use a blunt tool to loosen the soil along the edges—never pull me by the leaves! Inspect my roots for rot (dark, mushy spots) or pests, trimming only damaged parts with sterilized scissors.
My roots are thick and fragile. Tease them apart gently if they’re densely packed, but avoid aggressive untangling. If dividing, ensure each section has at least 3–4 leaves and healthy roots. Dust cuts with cinnamon or fungicide to prevent infections. Place me in the new pot at the same depth as before, ensuring my crown isn’t buried to avoid rot.
Fill the gaps around my roots with the prepared soil mix, pressing lightly to eliminate air pockets. Water me sparingly to settle the soil, then wait a week before watering again to let any root injuries heal. Keep me in a shaded, warm spot for 2–3 weeks to recover, avoiding direct sunlight or fertilizer until I show new growth.
Monitor my leaves for yellowing or drooping, which signals stress. Resume normal care gradually, ensuring the soil dries slightly between waterings. My recovery may take weeks—patience is key! Once I’m stable, return me to bright, indirect light and resume feeding during the growing season.
