Ocimum centrali-africanum Plant Care
Ocimum centrali-africanum R.E.Fr.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Every 4–7 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–90°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Ocimum centrali-africanum?
Water Ocimum centrali-africanum every 4–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–90°F (16–32°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 3 months during the growing season.
What Is the Ocimum centrali-africanum?
Ocimum centrali-africanum (Ocimum centrali-africanum) belongs to the Lamiaceae family within the Ocimum genus.
Ocimum centrali-africanum displays an upright, bushy herb growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Ocimum centrali-africanum produces small, tubular flowers in shades of white, pink, or purple.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Ocimum centrali-africanum?
Ocimum centrali-africanum requires watering every 4–7 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 4–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Ocimum centrali-africanum Need?
Ocimum centrali-africanum thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Ocimum centrali-africanum Prefer?
Ocimum centrali-africanum grows best at temperatures of 60–90°F. Ocimum centrali-africanum prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–90°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Ocimum centrali-africanum?
Well-draining, fertile soil with a neutral pH. Good drainage is essential for Ocimum centrali-africanum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Ocimum centrali-africanum?
Feed Ocimum centrali-africanum every 3 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 3 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 Ocimum centrali-africanum?
Repot annually 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 Ocimum centrali-africanum?
Ocimum centrali-africanum can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to american basil plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Ocimum centrali-africanum Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Ocimum centrali-africanum, 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 Ocimum centrali-africanum?
Ocimum centrali-africanum 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 Ocimum centrali-africanum Need?
Ocimum centrali-africanum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Ocimum centrali-africanum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Ocimum centrali-africanum 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 Ocimum genus — compare its care with other Ocimum species on PlantoScan.
Ocimum is part of the Lamiaceae plant family — browse all Lamiaceae genera and species.
Ocimum centrali-africanum thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Ocimum Species
Other Ocimum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Ocimum centrali-africanum R.E.Fr., family Lamiaceae (first published in Wiss. Erg. Schwed. Rhodesia-Kongo-Exp. 1911-1912 , 1: 286 (1916)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Ocimum centrali-africanum, 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.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, 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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