Overview of the Genus Clivia

The Genus Clivia belongs to the Amaryllis Family, or Amaryllidaceae. It is native to South Africa. Clivias are evergreen; and unlike most members of the Amaryllis Family, they do not form bulbs. They usually grow in dappled shade on the floor of forests. Their thick, rope-like roots run on the surface, or shallowly through the usual litter and duff found in wooded areas. They are quite tolerant of prolonged dry periods.

There have traditionally been four species of Clivia, with the most familiar to many being Clivia miniata. Recently one or possibly two new species have been found. The wild species are discussed on the Species Page.

The structure of a clivia plant is explained on the Anatomy Page.

Growing Clivias is possible in all climates. Where the winters are cold, the plants have to be moved indoors to a frost-free area. In mild climates, like their native South Africa, as well as in Australia, New Zealand, and parts of California and Florida in North America, they can be grown outdoors as landscape plants. More notes on cultivation of Clivias are given under the Cultivation Page.

Hobbyists are producing their own new varieties all the time. Some of these are shown in the Photo Gallery.