African Hemp Plant Care

African Hemp (Sparmannia africana) belongs to the Malvaceae family within the Sparmannia genus. African Hemp is native to open woodland in South Africa and Madagascar. African Hemp is also known as False Mallow, Linden Tree.

African Hemp displays a tall, upright shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. African Hemp produces showy clusters of white or pink flowers with prominent stamens.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

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

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

Sparmannia africana tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. African Hemp prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for African Hemp to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed African Hemp every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees 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, loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

African Hemp is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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

African Hemp can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 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 tree spacing calculator.

Prune African Hemp 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 tree in one year.

African Hemp is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

African Hemp can be propagated through softwood cuttings, air layering.

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African Hemp is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. 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 Hemp grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. African Hemp is native to open woodland in South Africa and Madagascar. In cooler regions, grow African Hemp as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.