Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
African Hosta Plant Care
Afrosciadium caffrum (Meisn.) P.J.D.Winter
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is recognized by its stunning glossy, dark green foliage that has a striking wavy edge. Originally from South Africa, Afrosciadium caffrum is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique leaf shape and easy maintenance, making it a prized addition to any indoor jungle.
Every 7–10 days
Partial shade to full sun
60–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for African Hosta?
Water African Hosta every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial shade to full sun. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the African Hosta Native To?
What Is the African Hosta?
African Hosta (Afrosciadium caffrum) belongs to the Apiaceae family within the Afrosciadium genus. African Hosta is native to subtropical regions of South Africa and Lesotho. African Hosta is also known as Drimiopsis maculata.
African Hosta displays a clumping herbaceous perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. African Hosta produces small clusters of white or pink flowers in umbels.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a African Hosta?
Afrosciadium caffrum requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the African Hosta Need?
African Hosta thrives in partial shade to full sun.
Light Requirement
Partial shade to full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the African Hosta Prefer?
Afrosciadium caffrum grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. African Hosta prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a African Hosta?
Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for African Hosta to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a African Hosta?
Feed African Hosta every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a African Hosta?
Repot every 1-2 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a African Hosta?
African Hosta can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to none known plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the African Hosta Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list African Hosta, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the African Hosta?
African Hosta is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the African Hosta Need?
African Hosta grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8b – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8b. African Hosta is native to subtropical regions of South Africa and Lesotho.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8b – 10b
Keep exploring plants
African Hosta is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Afrosciadium genus — compare its care with other Afrosciadium species on PlantoScan.
Afrosciadium is part of the Apiaceae plant family — browse all Apiaceae genera and species.
African Hosta thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Afrosciadium Species
Other Afrosciadium species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Afrosciadium caffrum (Meisn.) P.J.D.Winter, family Apiaceae (first published in Taxon 57: 360 (2008)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list African Hosta, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8b – 10b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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