Photo: Oleg KosterinCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Plantain Craterostigma Plant Care
Craterostigma plantagineum Hochst.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This unusual plant is easily recognizable by its vibrant purple leaves, which are native to the mountains of East Africa. Plant collectors are drawn to Craterostigma plantagineum for its unique color and ability to thrive in challenging environments, making it a coveted addition to any collection.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light
60–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Plantain Craterostigma?
Water Plantain Craterostigma 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 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Plantain Craterostigma Native To?
- Algeria
- Angola
- Benin
- Botswana
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Cameroon
- Cape Verde
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- Côte d'Ivoire
- Djibouti
- DR Congo
- Egypt
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Eswatini
- Ethiopia
- Gabon
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- India
- Kenya
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- Libya
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Republic of the Congo
- Rwanda
- Sao Tome and Principe
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- South Africa
- South Sudan
- Sudan
- Tanzania
- The Gambia
- Togo
- Tunisia
- Uganda
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
What Is the Plantain Craterostigma?
Plantain Craterostigma (Craterostigma plantagineum) belongs to the Linderniaceae family within the Craterostigma genus. Plantain Craterostigma is native to parts of Africa and to India.
Plantain Craterostigma displays a low rosette, spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Plantain Craterostigma produces small tubular flowers in shades of blue, purple, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Plantain Craterostigma?
Craterostigma plantagineum 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 Plantain Craterostigma Need?
Plantain Craterostigma thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Plantain Craterostigma in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Plantain Craterostigma Prefer?
Craterostigma plantagineum grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Plantain Craterostigma prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Plantain Craterostigma?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with added peat moss for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Plantain Craterostigma to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Plantain Craterostigma?
Feed Plantain Craterostigma 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 Plantain Craterostigma?
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 Plantain Craterostigma?
Plantain Craterostigma can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to lindernia crustacea plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Plantain Craterostigma Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Plantain Craterostigma, 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 Plantain Craterostigma?
Plantain Craterostigma 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 Plantain Craterostigma Need?
Plantain Craterostigma grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Plantain Craterostigma is native to parts of Africa and to India. In cooler regions, grow Plantain Craterostigma as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Plantain Craterostigma 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 Craterostigma genus — compare its care with other Craterostigma species on PlantoScan.
Craterostigma is part of the Linderniaceae plant family — browse all Linderniaceae genera and species.
Plantain Craterostigma 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: Craterostigma plantagineum Hochst., family Linderniaceae (first published in Flora 24: 669 (1841)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Plantain Craterostigma, 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: Oleg Kosterin, 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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