Photo: safiyyah hattasCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
South African Broom Plant Care
Anthospermum aethiopicum L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is easily recognizable by its bright yellow flowers that stand out against its dark green foliage. Originating from Ethiopia, Anthospermum aethiopicum is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique and exotic appearance, adding a touch of tropical flair to any garden or indoor space.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for South African Broom?
Plant South African Broom in bright indirect light (USDA zones 9a–11b) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the South African Broom Native To?
What Is the South African Broom?
South African Broom (Anthospermum aethiopicum) belongs to the Rubiaceae family within the Anthospermum genus. South African Broom is native to South Africa. South African Broom is also known as False Coffee.
South African Broom displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. South African Broom produces small, white, star-shaped flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a South African Broom?
Water a young or newly planted South African Broom every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the South African Broom Need?
South African Broom thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing South African Broom in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the South African Broom Prefer?
Anthospermum aethiopicum tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. South African Broom prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a South African Broom?
Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with added organic matter like peat moss. Good drainage is essential for South African Broom to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a South African Broom?
Feed South African Broom every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.
Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a South African Broom?
Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining, slightly acidic soil with added organic matter like peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
South African Broom is suited to USDA Zone 9a – 11b.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a South African Broom?
South African Broom can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a South African Broom?
Prune South African Broom while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.
How Do You Care for a South African Broom in Winter?
South African Broom is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a South African Broom?
South African Broom can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to rough anthospermum plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the South African Broom Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list South African Broom, 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 South African Broom?
South African Broom is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, scale insects. 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 South African Broom Need?
South African Broom grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. South African Broom is native to South Africa. In cooler regions, grow South African Broom as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
South African Broom 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 Anthospermum genus — compare its care with other Anthospermum species on PlantoScan.
Anthospermum is part of the Rubiaceae plant family — browse all Rubiaceae genera and species.
South African Broom 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: Anthospermum aethiopicum L., family Rubiaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 1058 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list South African Broom, 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: safiyyah hattas, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9a – 11b, 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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