Tree Philodendron

Top 10 African Indoor Plants

Top 10 African Indoor Plants

Africa is home to an incredibly diverse range of flora, including many species that make excellent indoor houseplants. From trailing vines to statuesque trees, African plants bring captivating textures, colors, and shapes to indoor spaces.

Below are 10 of the best African indoor plants to add striking visual interest and greenery to any home or office.

1. Croton (Codiaeum variegatum)

Croton (Codiaeum variegatum)

Native toSoutheast Africa, Pacific Islands, Australia, India
Height3 to 6 feet
LightBright, indirect light or partial sun
Care
  • Water when soil feels dry
  • Humidity above 50%
  • Reduce water in winter

The stunning Croton is beloved for its riotously colorful, patterned leaves in shades of yellow, orange, red and green. This African plant adds major visual impact whether grown as a houseplant or used in outdoor landscaping in frost-free regions. With proper care, the Croton grows quickly and can reach tree-like heights indoors.

2. Aloe Vera

How to Care for an Aloe Vera Plant Indoors: The Complete Guide

Native toSouthern Africa, Madagascar, Jordan
HeightVaries by species, typically under 3 feet
LightBright, indirect light
Care
  • Water when soil is dry
  • Drought tolerant
  • Reduce water in winter

Aloe vera is likely the most widely recognized and used African plant, beloved for the gel inside its thick, pointed leaves that can soothe sunburns and other skin irritation. Beyond its usefulness, this succulent has a striking look with spiky leaves arranged in rosettes. It thrives as a low-maintenance houseplant in bright, indirect light and is a perfect desk or windowsill companion.

3. Elephant Ear Plant (Alocasia)

Elephant Ear Plant Indoor

Native toTropical Asia and East Africa
HeightUp to 5-6 feet tall and wide
LightBright, indirect light
Care
  • Keep soil consistently moist
  • Humidity above 55%
  • Fertilize monthly in growing season

One of the most stunning large houseplants, Elephant Ear plants are named for their very large, heart-shaped green leaves with contrasting veins. The impressive leaves can grow over 3 feet long on mature plants. Elephant Ears thrive with regular moisture and excellent drainage and make an instant statement in any indoor space.

4. Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)

Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)

Native toBrazil and Western Africa
Height6 to 12 inches tall
LightBright, indirect light or partial sun
Care
  • Keep soil consistently moist
  • Humidity above 50%
  • Reduce water and fertilizer in winter

Named for the fact that its fascinating leaves appear to fold together upward at night as though in prayer, the Prayer Plant has captivating foliage. The dark green leaves feature bright white, red or pink-colored veins that vividly stand out. This small-scale trailing plant adds a distinctive African look in hanging baskets or planters.

5. Anthurium

Anthurium

Native toTropical South and Central America and Africa
Height1 to 3 feet tall
LightBright, indirect light
Care
  • Water when top inch of soil is dry
  • Humidity above 60%
  • Reduce water in winter

Grown for its vibrant, exotic looking flowers, Anthurium features glossy leaves and colorful blooms that appear as spikes rising above the foliage. The waxy flowers come in bright shades like red, pink and orange and last for many weeks. Anthurium does best in high but indirect light. Use draining soil and avoid overwatering.

6. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Native toTropical regions of Americas and Africa
Height1 to 3 feet tall
LightLow light
Care
  • Water when top inch of soil is dry
  • Mist leaves regularly
  • Reduce water in winter

One of the most popular houseplants, the Peace Lily features lush green leaves and an exquisite white flower that resembles a calla lily. Unlike most flowering plants, the Peace Lily blooms wonderfully even in low light conditions, and the flowers last for weeks at a time. Just take care not to overwater, as it prefers soil on the drier side.

7. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

Native toAfrica, Asia
HeightVaries by variety, typically 2-4 feet tall
LightLow light
Care
  • Water every 2-3 weeks
  • Allow soil to fully dry out between waterings
  • Can tolerate drought

One of the most ultra low-maintenance houseplants, Snake Plant (also referred to as Mother-In-Law’s Tongue) features upright, sword-shaped green and yellow striped foliage. It adapts wonderfully to low light conditions and irregular watering, thriving even in neglected spaces. The dramatic, spiky leaves add an architectural, almost sculptural effect to indoor plant displays.

8.Tree Philodendron

Tree Philodendron

Native toTropical regions of Africa and Americas
HeightGrows over 6 feet tall as a houseplant
LightBright, indirect light
Care
  • Allow soil to partially dry between waterings
  • Mist leaves regularly
  • Fertilize monthly spring through summer

Tree Philodendron is a popular upright-growing houseplant beloved for its large, lobed leaves that emerge bronze-colored before turning green. Given proper care and support as it grows, Tree Philodendron can grow into a tall, tree-like shape over time, hence its descriptive name. It does best with regular humidity and fertilizer.

9. Living Stones (Lithops)

Native toSouthern Africa
Height2-3 inches tall
LightBright light
Care
  • Water deeply only when completely dry
  • Must have fast-draining soil
  • Reduce water in winter

One of the most unique succulents, Living Stones feature plump, rounded leaves that resemble pebbles or stones. These compact plants hug the soil, with only the tips of the fleshy leaves visible. They do best in sunny windows and very well-draining soil mix. Living Stones require less frequent waterings than typical houseplants.

10.ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

Native toEastern Africa
Height1-3 feet tall
LightLow to bright indirect light
Care
  • Water every 2-3 weeks
  • Tolerates drought
  • Rarely needs repotting

If you’re searching for an ultra-low maintenance houseplant, look no further than the ZZ Plant. This durable African native thrives in a wide range of light levels and tolerates neglect like few other plants can. It features thick rhizomes and glossy, oval-shaped dark green leaves. Just be sure ZZ Plants are not in the reach of curious pets, as the foliage can cause stomach upset if ingested.