INFLUENCE OF TEMPERATURE AND SUPPLEMENTARY LIGHTING ON GROWTH AND FLOWER INITIATION OF CLIVIA-MINIATA REGEL

Leaf number of Clivia miniata Regel increased significantly with highe r temperature (20 degrees C compared with 16 and 7 degrees C). Supplem entary lighting (to reach a photoperiod of 16 h) during winter time, h ad no effect on leaf number but promoted leaf elongation, resulting in poorer plant quality. The first flower bud was initiated after 12-13 leaves were formed, regardless of temperature or light treatment; subs equent flower buds were initiated after each set of four to five leave s. Higher temperatures hastened flower bud development. However, scape elongation was insufficient. Supplementary lighting hastened the latt er process.