Why do my Clivia Berries fail to change Color (ripen)?

Question

I have been raising clivias, by division (from the same stock) for over 20 years. I’ve recently noticed that although the berries form as green, and appropriate size, they fail to turn red, or any other color, even beyond a year on the mature flower stalk… My plants used to form red berries, that I used to simply ignored and threw out when the stalk rotted after one year…

Have the years of division impacted the berry/seed forming ability?

I fertilize monthly w/ fish emulsion (light solution), might I have a deficit of potassium or such?

Any experienced thoughts would be appreciated

Answer 1

Two things may be going on here. The most important thing will be that the plant is receiving too much nitrogen. This will prevent the proper formation of berries, while giving the leaves a large boost. This needs to be balanced out with some phosphorus and potassium, or a simple blooming fertilizer.

The second factor is the long term division. This is a way to clone a plant and keep it alive for a very long time. With age, you will notice a drop in vigor and the inability to reproduce. Eventually the plant may sterilize, but with proper care, it will continue on for quite a while longer.

This article will give you more information on the care of these: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/clivia/clivia-plant.htm