African Corn Lily Plant Care
Aptosimum neglectum Emil Weber
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its bright orange trumpet-shaped flowers, Aptosimum neglectum adds a pop of color to any garden. Originating from South Africa, this unique plant attracts collectors with its rarity and stunning blooms that stand out against its dark green foliage.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
65–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for African Corn Lily?
Water African Corn 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 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the African Corn Lily Native To?
What Is the African Corn Lily?
African Corn Lily (Aptosimum neglectum) belongs to the Scrophulariaceae family within the Aptosimum genus. African Corn Lily is native to the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. African Corn Lily is also known as Cape Cowslip.
African Corn Lily displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. African Corn Lily produces small tubular flowers in shades of orange, red, or yellow.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a African Corn Lily?
Aptosimum neglectum 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 Corn Lily Need?
African Corn Lily thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the African Corn Lily Prefer?
Aptosimum neglectum grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. African Corn Lily prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a African Corn Lily?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for African Corn Lily to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a African Corn Lily?
Feed African Corn Lily every 2 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 2 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 Corn Lily?
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 Corn Lily?
African Corn Lily can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to namaqualand vygie plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the African Corn Lily Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list African Corn 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 Corn Lily?
African Corn Lily 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.
Keep exploring plants
African Corn 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 Aptosimum genus — compare its care with other Aptosimum species on PlantoScan.
Aptosimum is part of the Scrophulariaceae plant family — browse all Scrophulariaceae genera and species.
African Corn Lily thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Aptosimum Species
Other Aptosimum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Aptosimum neglectum Emil Weber, family Scrophulariaceae (first published in Bull. Herb. Boissier , sér. 2, 3: 894 (1903)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list African Corn 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.
- 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.
Identify Plants Like the
African Corn Lily Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species