From September 7 to 9, 2026, the Clivia Society will host its International Conference, organized by the Northern Clivia Club in Pretoria, South Africa’s capital.

The organizing committee has been working diligently behind the scenes to ensure the foundation of the conference is established. This includes selecting a theme, securing a venue, obtaining funding, and choosing speakers—all of which are essential before addressing the finer details.

There is a saying that goes, “May you live in interesting times,” which certainly applies to the world of clivia today. As any experienced enthusiast will confirm, the current selection and diversity of clivia hybrids available to both gardeners and collectors is astounding compared to just a few years ago. The theme is clear: Shaping The Future of Clivias!

For the venue, the most suitable choice is the Safari Garden Centre, home of the Northern Clivia Club. This location has strong connections to the clivia community, thanks to Anna Meyer and her grandson Heinrich van Niekerk. Safari Garden Centre has hosted the Northern Clivia Club’s annual shows and is where we hold all our meetings. Their conference facilities, nestled in tranquil surroundings and surrounded by magnificent gardens, provide the perfect setting for clivia enthusiasts from around the world to gather and discuss everything related to clivia!

The challenge any event organizer will tell you about is finding speakers who are willing to stand in front of a crowd, manage their nerves, and share valuable information. After months of reviewing submissions, we have mostly finalized the list of speakers, although a few slots still need to be addressed.

We have explored a wide range of expertise and secured contributions from both experienced individuals and emerging growers who will offer insights and their recommendations on how they envision the future trends and development of clivias.

Speakers, including Francois van Rooyen, Cora de Kock, Pikkie Strumpher, and Dawie Strydom, will discuss the specific lines they have developed over the years and share valuable insights on how they reached this point.

Wayne Haselau will discuss how interest in Clivia nobilis has driven the development of numerous hybrids and cultivars. Carrie and Luke Kruger and Dawie Strydom will talk about the exciting future that working with interspecific hybrids promises.

For leaf lovers, Felix Middleton will give a talk on Tiger variegation, explaining what it is, why it occurs, and how to cultivate more!

Joubert van Wyk, Chairman of the Clivia Society, will deliver a short talk on the Society’s vision for growth and the exciting developments already implemented.

We are finalizing a few more speakers, including several academic presentations delivered in everyday language. These talks will cover recent developments and may help explain why things are the way they are.

In addition to the knowledge gained at the coffee station, we will also host panel discussions featuring industry leaders who will answer questions from delegates.

One of the highlights of the conferences, in addition to the Annual Northern Clivia Club Spring Clivia Fair and the Jo’Burg Clivia Show, is the incredible selection of plants available at the auction. We are putting in considerable effort to ensure this experience is unforgettable, and a dedicated panel has been assigned to make the auction truly remarkable!

So what is it going to cost?

The Conference Committee has worked diligently to keep costs as reasonable as possible. The registration fee is R1850.00 per person. However, if you register by the end of July 2026, you will receive an early registration discount, bringing the cost down to R1750.00 per person.

What is included?

The conference fee covers attendance at the welcome function on Monday, September 6, as well as meals and tea breaks for both conference days. Additionally, it includes a light supper and snack platters for the auction on Tuesday, 7 September.

Registration for the conference will open in March 2026. Anyone interested in attending is welcome to email

conference@northernclivia.co.za for more information.