Most Popular African Houseplants
1. Cylindrical Snake Plant
Botanical Name: Sansevieria cylindrica
Originated in Central Africa, especially Angola, it is a beautiful specimen with its spears-like foliage that also looks like starfish. You can grow it in partial to full sun in a succulent potting mix.
2. ZZ Plant
Botanical Name: Zamioculcas zamiifolia
Native to East Africa, this hard-to-kill houseplant can survive in extreme conditions. It prefers dry, well-draining soil and indirect light. The plant also offers several benefits that you can check out here.
3. Spider Plant
Botanical Name: Chlorophytum comosum
The spider plant belongs to south and west Africa and features long, slender foliage green-white foliage that hangs beautifully from the rims of the container. It prefers bright, indirect sunlight and moist soil. Check different spider plant varieties here.
4. Mother-in-law’s Tongue
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Botanical Name: Dracaena trifasciata
Snake plants are indigenous to the tropics of West Africa, from east Nigeria to the Congo. They are easy-to-grow, low-maintenance, and do well in low-light conditions. Check out the best snake plant varieties here.
5. Giant Bird of Paradise
Botanical Name: Strelitzia nicolai
This beautiful houseplant is native to the forests of eastern South Africa. It grows slowly and makes for an elegant display with beautiful white flowers with contrasting grey-green foliage. It prefers full sun to partial shade.
6. African Violet
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Botanical Name: Saintpaulia
Native to the eastern arc mountains of Tanzania and southern Kenya, the flower has become a top choice for indoor plants as it is available in many varieties! The common type has purple flowers over fuzzy green leaves.
7. Dragon Tree
Botanical Name: Dracaena marginata
Most of the dracaena varieties are native to Africa. The dragon tree features narrow green leaves with red margins. It improves indoor air quality and removes various toxins from the surroundings. Check out the best dracaena varieties here.
8. Jade Plant
Botanical Name: Crassula ovata
Also known as a money tree, this succulent is native to the KwaZulu-Natal, Mozambique, and Eastern Cape provinces of South Africa. It is easy to maintain and looks great with its plump leaves. Check out its growing details here.
9. Fiddle Leaf Fig
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Botanical Name: Ficus lyrata
Fiddle Leaf Fig comes from western Africa. As a houseplant, it does not become too large indoors and shows off glossy green leaves with yellow veins.
10. African Aloe
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Botanical Name: Aloe africana
The plant belongs to North Africa and the Canary Islands. There are many aloe varieties available for containers and it also offers many benefits that you can check out here.
11. Zebra Plant
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Botanical Name: Haworthiopsis fasciata ‘Zebra Plant’
The small succulent of the haworthia genus is native to South Africa. It is popular for white-striped patterns that resemble a zebra’s skin. Check out our article on haworthia care here.
12. South African Geranium
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Botanical Name: Pelargonium sidoides
Also famous as black geranium, it is a herb used for cough and cold remedies. It does well in full sun to partial light and grows mauve flowers.