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

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

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

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

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

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

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.