Photo: Forest & Kim StarrCC BY 3.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
African Daisy Plant Care
Osteospermum fruticosum (L.) Norl.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant features vibrant, daisy-like flowers that come in shades of purple, pink, and white. Originating from South Africa, Osteospermum fruticosum is highly sought after by plant collectors for its striking blooms and ability to attract butterflies and bees to the garden.
Every 3–7 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for African Daisy?
Water African Daisy every 3–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. 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 African Daisy Native To?
What Is the African Daisy?
African Daisy (Osteospermum fruticosum) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Osteospermum genus. African Daisy is native to coastal areas of South Africa. African Daisy is also known as Trailing African Daisy, Bush Daisy, Blaxium decumbens.
African Daisy displays a low spreading perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. African Daisy produces daisy-like flowers in various colors such as purple, pink, white, and yellow.
How Often Should You Water a African Daisy?
Osteospermum fruticosum requires watering every 3–7 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 3–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the African Daisy Need?
African Daisy thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the African Daisy Prefer?
Osteospermum fruticosum grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. African Daisy 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 African Daisy?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with added perlite for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for African Daisy to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a African Daisy?
Feed African Daisy 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 African Daisy?
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 African Daisy?
African Daisy can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.
Is the African Daisy Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list African Daisy, 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 Daisy?
African Daisy 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 African Daisy Need?
African Daisy grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. African Daisy is native to coastal areas of South Africa. In cooler regions, grow African Daisy as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
African Daisy 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 Osteospermum genus — compare its care with other Osteospermum species on PlantoScan.
Osteospermum is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
African Daisy 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: Osteospermum fruticosum (L.) Norl., family Asteraceae (first published in Stud. Calenduleae 1: 250 (1943)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list African Daisy, 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: Forest & Kim Starr, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9a – 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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