African Laceleaf Plant Care

African Laceleaf (Cercestis dinklagei) belongs to the Araceae family within the Cercestis genus. African Laceleaf is native to West and West Central tropical Africa.

African Laceleaf displays a clumping perennial herb growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. African Laceleaf produces small, inconspicuous flowers surrounded by a colorful spathe.

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

Cercestis dinklagei 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.

African Laceleaf thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing African Laceleaf in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Cercestis dinklagei grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. African Laceleaf prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Loose, well-draining potting mix with added perlite and orchid bark. Good drainage is essential for African Laceleaf to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed African Laceleaf 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.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

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.

African Laceleaf can be propagated through division of rhizomes, offsets, or air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to african laceleaf plant care, which shares the same genus.

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African Laceleaf is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, 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.

African Laceleaf grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. African Laceleaf is native to West and West Central tropical Africa. In cooler regions, grow African Laceleaf as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.