Question
Good morning. I have just read the thread in respect of propagation of the "baby" clivea, which was very helpful, but could you tell me if there is a specific time of the year that this should be done. My plants currently are starting to produce the flower stem (I have no problems in getting flowering), and each plant has at least 1 "baby.

Regards

John McCaffrey

Answer
John,  

It is not time of year but it is what stage the plant is in that determines splitting off the babies. Clivea actually likes to be rootbound so I let the babies develop with the parent until they are at least half the size of the parent. They should be divided as soon as they are done blooming unless you want them to produce seeds.

Clivea can also be propagated from seed. If you want to try that leave the flower stalk on the plant while the seed pods develop and eventually turn red.  When the seed is red it is mature and can be removed from the plant and planted immediately. The seed is large and should only be covered by 1/2 to 1 centimeter of soil. It has to be planted immediately or it will quickly deteriorate. The babies grown from seed will not be exactly like the parent. Some may revert to being similar to one of the grandparent plants or you may get lucky and eventually get different color beautiful blooms. If you want the seed do not repot until right after you remove and plant the seeds.

If you have more questions feel free to write again. Good luck!

Darlene