Many of our most popular houseplants were gifts from the explorers of this fascinating continent. In addition to plants with extremely attractive foliage and flowers, African crops also thrive indoors, provided they are properly cared for, and often reward your efforts with fruit. We present to you the following
Which African houseplants are recommended?
Popular African houseplants include the easy-care spider plant, the coffee tree for attractive foliage, the robust Zamie, the Ficus Lyrata (violin fig), the tropical banana plant and the adaptable bow hemp. All are well suited for people without a green thumb.
- Green Lily
- Coffee tree
- Zamie
- Ficus Lyrata
- Banana plant
- bow hemp
a little closer.
Green Lily
If you are looking for an African houseplant that doesn't mind too much or too little water for a long time, you are well served with this survival artist. Even when neglected, it produces many offshoots and impresses with its fine, beautifully marked leaves. It thrives just as well in the sun as it does in the shade. If the air is dry, you should spray the foliage occasionally.
Coffee tree
This pretty tree provides one of the world's most popular drinks. In our latitudes it can be easily cultivated indoors. Unlike many African houseplants, the coffee tree does not tolerate full sun; it feels much more comfortable in an east or west window than in a southerly location. Keep the root ball constantly moist during the growing season and only use soft rainwater or decalcified tap water. It is important to ensure sufficient humidity, for example by spraying the leaves daily. If cared for well, the coffee tree not only impresses with its attractive, dark green foliage. It also produces lots of pretty flowers from which coffee beans develop.
Zamie
The growth habit of this plant, which comes from the forests of East Africa, is reminiscent of ferns. It is considered one of the most robust plants of all and will quickly increase in size if it is not over-cared for. In addition to a bright, warm location, it only needs a little water every now and then to thrive. The lucky feather rarely produces flowers in the room, but that's not a bad thing as the false flowers are not very attractive and only cost the plant unnecessary energy.
Ficus Lyrata
This extremely beautiful green plant is also called the violin fig because of its large, violin-shaped leaves. She is very easy to care for. Even if you forget to water it, it doesn't take offense. However, the soil should never be too moist, as this quickly leads to root rot. Therefore, always pour away excess water that collects in the saucer. As in its natural home of Africa, the plant prefers a bright spot near a window.
Banana plant
With its attractive leaves, this African plant adds a tropical flair to any room. It is relatively thirsty and should be watered regularly. However, it is sensitive to waterlogging; a drainage layer in the flower pot is helpful. Make sure there is sufficient humidity so that the magnificent leaves develop well and do not tear. Depending on the species, the banana also blooms indoors and, provided it is properly cared for, even produces small bananas.
bow hemp
This plant, which comes from Africa, is currently experiencing a renaissance. You can safely forget about watering it, too, because it doesn't mind dryness as much as waterlogging. If you give it a sunny to partially shaded location, the long leaves will develop magnificently and show an extremely attractive color.
Tip
Since many African houseplants are quite insensitive, they are also suitable for people who do not have the proverbial “green thumb”.
