Pollination Guide: How to Pollinate Clivia Flowers
Pollinating Clivias by hand is an essential skill for any breeder or enthusiast aiming to create specific hybrids. With the right tools and timing, you can collect and store pollen, and successfully pollinate your plants for future seed production.
A. Tools You’ll Need
Container with alcohol – To sterilise your brush between uses.
Film container or small sealable tub – For storing pollen capsules.
Drying agent – Silica gel or dry rice, placed in the film container to keep pollen dry.
Gelatin capsules – To store collected pollen.
Fine brush – To collect and apply pollen.
Forceps – For collecting anthers.
Magnifying glass – To help identify mature stigmas and pollen structures.
B. When Is the Right Time to Pollinate?
Pollination should only be done once the flower is mature:
Mature stamens: Pollen is loose and powdery.
Receptive stigma: The stigma is sticky and trifid (split into three small lobes).
If the stigma is dry, it won’t hold pollen—see section D for a solution.
C. How to Pollinate
Using forceps, pick an anther (with or without a small piece of filament).
Gently rub the anther over the sticky stigma of the flower you wish to pollinate.
Alternatively, use a small brush to apply pollen collected from another flower.
D. What if the Stigma Is Too Dry?
No problem—rehydrate it using this sugar solution:
Mix 6 teaspoons of sugar with 1 cup of water.
Lightly moisten the stigma and wait 5 minutes.
Then apply pollen using your brush.
E. Collecting & Storing Pollen
Option 1: Use your brush to transfer pollen into a gelatin capsule. You may need several anthers, as not all pollen drops easily.
Option 2: Use forceps to collect full anthers and place them directly in the capsule.
Storage tips:
Let pollen capsules dry in a cool, dry area for at least 2 days.
After drying, store them in the fridge or deep freezer.
Deep freeze (-18 to -20 °C) is ideal and can keep pollen viable for up to 3 years.
F. Hygiene & Cross-Pollination Prevention
Always return pollen capsules to the freezer immediately after use.
Clean your brush thoroughly with methylated spirits or alcohol after each use.
Make sure the brush is completely dry before using it on another plant to prevent cross-contamination.
