African quinine Plant Care

African quinine (Crossopteryx febrifuga) belongs to the Rubiaceae family within the Crossopteryx genus. African quinine is native to tropical and southern Africa.

African quinine displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. African quinine produces small, fragrant white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted African quinine every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

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

Crossopteryx febrifuga tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. African quinine prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, acidic soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for African quinine to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed African quinine every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

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

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining, acidic soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

African quinine is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

African quinine can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune African quinine while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

African quinine is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

African quinine can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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African quinine is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, 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.

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