Photo: Morten RossCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
African foxglove Plant Care
Blepharis spiculifolia Balf.f.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's uniquely shaped leaves are its most distinctive feature, resembling tiny green spikes. Originating from South Africa, Blepharis spiculifolia is highly sought after by plant collectors for its rarity and intriguing appearance in any collection. Its striking foliage adds a touch of exotic beauty to any indoor garden.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light
60–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for African foxglove?
Water African foxglove every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the African foxglove Native To?
What Is the African foxglove?
African foxglove (Blepharis spiculifolia) belongs to the Acanthaceae family within the Blepharis genus. African foxglove is native to Socotra. African foxglove is also known as Blepharis spiculifolia var. spiculifolia, Blepharis oblongifolia.
African foxglove displays a low spreading herb growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. African foxglove produces small tubular flowers in shades of purple, pink, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a African foxglove?
Blepharis spiculifolia requires watering every 7–14 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 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the African foxglove Need?
African foxglove thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing African foxglove in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the African foxglove Prefer?
Blepharis spiculifolia grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. African foxglove prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a African foxglove?
Well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter like compost. Good drainage is essential for African foxglove to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a African foxglove?
Feed African foxglove every month 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 month
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 foxglove?
Repot every 1-2 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 foxglove?
African foxglove can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to spider-wisp plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the African foxglove Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list African foxglove, 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 foxglove?
African foxglove is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. 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 foxglove Need?
African foxglove grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. African foxglove is native to Socotra. In cooler regions, grow African foxglove as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
African foxglove 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 Blepharis genus — compare its care with other Blepharis species on PlantoScan.
Blepharis is part of the Acanthaceae plant family — browse all Acanthaceae genera and species.
African foxglove 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: Blepharis spiculifolia Balf.f., family Acanthaceae (first published in Proc. Roy. Soc. Edinburgh 12: 85 (1883)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list African foxglove, 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: Morten Ross, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 12b, 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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