African Fire Plant Plant Care
Scirpodendron bogneri S.S.Hooper
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is known for its large, glossy, heart-shaped leaves that can reach up to 2 feet in length. Originating from the rainforests of West Africa, Scirpodendron bogneri is a highly sought-after species among plant collectors due to its unique foliage and rarity in cultivation. With its striking appearance and exotic origins, this plant is sure to make a statement in any collection.
Every 7–10 days
Partial to full shade
65–85°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for African Fire Plant?
Water African Fire Plant every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial to full shade. It prefers temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
What Is the African Fire Plant?
African Fire Plant (Scirpodendron bogneri) belongs to the Cyperaceae family within the Scirpodendron genus. African Fire Plant is native to Africa. African Fire Plant is also known as Scirpodendron fireball.
African Fire Plant displays a clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. African Fire Plant produces small inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.
How Often Should You Water a African Fire Plant?
Scirpodendron bogneri 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 Fire Plant Need?
African Fire Plant thrives in partial to full shade. Avoid placing African Fire Plant in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Partial to full shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the African Fire Plant Prefer?
Scirpodendron bogneri grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. African Fire Plant prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a African Fire Plant?
Moist, fertile soil with good drainage. Good drainage is essential for African Fire Plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a African Fire Plant?
Feed African Fire Plant 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 Fire Plant?
Repot every 1-2 years in 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 Fire Plant?
African Fire Plant can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to african baobab plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the African Fire Plant Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list African Fire Plant, 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 Fire Plant?
African Fire Plant is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, leaf miners. 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 Fire Plant Need?
African Fire Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. African Fire Plant is native to Africa. In cooler regions, grow African Fire Plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 11a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
African Fire Plant 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 Scirpodendron genus — compare its care with other Scirpodendron species on PlantoScan.
Scirpodendron is part of the Cyperaceae plant family — browse all Cyperaceae genera and species.
African Fire Plant copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Scirpodendron bogneri S.S.Hooper, family Cyperaceae (first published in Kew Bull. 52: 683 (1997)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list African Fire Plant, 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 11a – 12b, 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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