African holly Plant Care
Dalhousiea africana S.Moore
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Dalhousiea africana is a striking evergreen shrub known for its glossy, dark green leaves and vibrant red berries that resemble Christmas decorations. Originating from South Africa, this plant is popular among enthusiasts for its festive appearance and ability to attract birds to the garden.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect to partial shade
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for African holly?
Water African holly every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the African holly?
African holly (Dalhousiea africana) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Dalhousiea genus. African holly is native to South Africa. African holly is also known as Christmas berry.
African holly displays a vining, climbing shrub growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. African holly produces small clusters of fragrant yellow flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a African holly?
Dalhousiea africana 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.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the African holly Need?
African holly thrives in bright indirect to partial shade. Avoid placing African holly in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the African holly Prefer?
Dalhousiea africana grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. African holly prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a African holly?
Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for African holly to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a African holly?
Feed African holly 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 holly?
Repot annually 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 holly?
African holly can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.
Is the African holly Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list African holly, 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 holly?
African holly is susceptible to aphids, leafhoppers, 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 African holly Need?
African holly grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. African holly is native to South Africa. In cooler regions, grow African holly as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
African holly 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 Dalhousiea genus — compare its care with other Dalhousiea species on PlantoScan.
Dalhousiea is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.
African holly 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: Dalhousiea africana S.Moore, family Fabaceae (first published in J. Bot. 18: 2 (1880)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list African holly, 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.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- 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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