African menodora Plant Care

African menodora (Menodora africana) belongs to the Oleaceae family within the Menodora genus. African menodora is native to South Africa. African menodora is also known as African violets.

African menodora displays a low spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. African menodora produces small, fragrant white or pale yellow flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted African menodora 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 menodora thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Menodora africana tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. African menodora prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for African menodora to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed African menodora 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 full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

African menodora is suited to USDA Zone 9a – 11b.

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 menodora can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 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 menodora 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 menodora is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

African menodora can be propagated through seeds, softwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to ten-cleft olive plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

African menodora 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 menodora grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. African menodora is native to South Africa. In cooler regions, grow African menodora as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.