Photo: linkieCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
African Lily Plant Care
Agapanthus africanus (L.) Hoffmanns.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Agapanthus africanus, commonly named the African lily, is a flowering plant from the genus Agapanthus found only on rocky sandstone slopes of the winter rainfall fynbos from the Cape Peninsula to Swellendam. It is also called the lily of the Nile in spite of only growing in South Africa.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for African Lily?
Water African Lily every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the African Lily Native To?
What Is the African Lily?
African Lily (Agapanthus africanus) belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family within the Agapanthus genus. African Lily is native to South Africa, Lesotho.. African Lily is also known as Lily of the Nile, Agapanthus.
African Lily displays a clumping perennial herb growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. African Lily produces showy clusters of blue or white trumpet-shaped flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 18 inches.
How Often Should You Water a African Lily?
Agapanthus africanus 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 Lily Need?
African Lily thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the African Lily Prefer?
Agapanthus africanus grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. African Lily prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a African Lily?
Well-draining, fertile soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for African Lily to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a African Lily?
Feed African Lily 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 Lily?
Repot every 2-3 years in 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 Lily?
African Lily can be propagated through division of offsets, seeds.
Is the African Lily Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list African Lily, 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 Lily?
African Lily is susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails. 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 Lily Need?
African Lily grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. African Lily is native to South Africa, Lesotho.. In cooler regions, grow African Lily as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
African Lily 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 Agapanthus genus — compare its care with other Agapanthus species on PlantoScan.
Agapanthus is part of the Amaryllidaceae plant family — browse all Amaryllidaceae genera and species.
African Lily thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Agapanthus africanus (L.) Hoffmanns., family Amaryllidaceae (first published in Verz. Pfl.-Kult. : 35 (1824)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list African Lily, 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: linkie, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- 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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