Photo: Qarbon NubiaCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
African carrot Plant Care
Capnophyllum africanum Gaertn.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its striking bright green, needle-like leaves, this plant originating from South Africa is a must-have for plant collectors looking to add a unique touch to their collection. Capnophyllum africanum's slender foliage and intricate texture make it an eye-catching addition to any indoor garden or terrarium.
Every 4–7 days
Partial shade to full sun
60–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for African carrot?
Water African carrot every 4–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial shade to full sun. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the African carrot Native To?
What Is the African carrot?
African carrot (Capnophyllum africanum) belongs to the Apiaceae family within the Capnophyllum genus. African carrot is native to southern Africa, particularly near the Cape of Good Hope. African carrot is also known as African wild carrot.
African carrot displays a clumping herbaceous perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. African carrot produces small clusters of white or pink umbels.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a African carrot?
Capnophyllum 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 African carrot Need?
African carrot thrives in partial shade to full sun.
Light Requirement
Partial shade to full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the African carrot Prefer?
Capnophyllum africanum grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. African carrot prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a African carrot?
Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for African carrot to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a African carrot?
Feed African carrot 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 carrot?
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 carrot?
African carrot can be propagated through seeds, division of rhizomes.
Is the African carrot Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
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 carrot?
African carrot is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, leaf miners. 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 carrot Need?
African carrot grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. African carrot is native to southern Africa, particularly near the Cape of Good Hope. In cooler regions, grow African carrot as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
African carrot 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 Capnophyllum genus — compare its care with other Capnophyllum species on PlantoScan.
Capnophyllum is part of the Apiaceae plant family — browse all Apiaceae genera and species.
African carrot 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: Capnophyllum africanum Gaertn., family Apiaceae (first published in Fruct. Sem. Pl. 2: 32 (1791)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: African carrot is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Qarbon Nubia, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9b – 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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