Have you ever been on safari in Africa or got to know one of the fascinating countries of this continent on vacation? The exotic variety of flowers is sure to have caught your eye. Many African flowers can also be cultivated in our latitudes, be it as attractive decoration for the room or even in the garden.
The Strelitzia brings an African mood to the garden
African flowers for balconies and rooms
| plant | care tips | particularities |
|---|---|---|
| aloe vera | Requires a warm, full sun and a sandy, well-drained substrate. May go outdoors in summer, but must be overwintered frost-free. Water sparingly and make sure that the inside of the rosette does not get wet, as this will lead to rot. | An old medicinal plant that has a soothing effect on minor burns and sunburn, for example. Blooms every year. |
| African Violet | A very attractive traffic light plant due to the overhanging shoots. Tolerates full sun and heat but is not hardy. Water sparingly. | Can be grown outside in summer and in a south facing window or conservatory all year round. |
| hibiscus | Beautiful flowers in many different colors. Requires warm temperatures all year round and a steady supply of water and regular fertilizer applications. | Can go outdoors in summer. If brought indoors in good time, the flowering period can be extended well into November. |
| Bird of paradise flower (Strelitzia) | Prefers a full sun location and is very heat tolerant. Should be outdoors during the summer, this promotes flowering. Water moderately, as waterlogging quickly leads to root rot. Fertilize regularly. | A popular cut flower for its interestingly shaped and colored flowers. When the plant blooms depends on the hibernation, which can be cool or warm. |
| African Lily | Full sun location. In summer, water regularly but in moderation. Maintain even soil moisture even in cool winter quarters. The substrate should contain coarse-grained parts, as the fleshy roots quickly begin to rot in compacted soil. | An attractive permanent bloomer in full sun. Only repot when the planter threatens to burst, this keeps the will to bloom. |
| crown of glory | Prefers a wind-protected, warm place without direct midday sun. Keep evenly moist and fertilize regularly. | Overwinter rhizomes in a cool, dark place. Drive into the room in early spring. Supported by a climbing aid, the plant with the bizarre flowers can reach heights of over one meter. |
Many other garden plants from Africa have long been at home in our gardens, so the table above can only show a small selection.
African flowers for the room
The plants listed here not only impress with their unusual fruits, but also form pretty flowers in advance, which make them something very special.
| plant | care tips | particularities |
|---|---|---|
| money tree | Place in the sun to semi-shade. Commercial potting soil mixed with some sand is suitable as a substrate. Water sparingly and only fertilize once a month with some cactus fertilizer. | Very popular, easy-care houseplant. |
| baobab tree | Requires nutrient-rich, well-drained substrate (cactus soil). Water sparingly, otherwise the roots will rot. Fertilize this ascetic only very rarely, if at all. | Its striking growth has made it a symbol of Africa. Can only be outdoors for a few weeks in very warm years. |
| sausage tree | Should be sunny to half-shady and easily tolerates temperatures of up to forty degrees. The substrate must be nutritious and enriched with sand, perlite or clay granules. Water regularly, but avoid waterlogging at all costs. Provide once a week with a commercially available liquid fertilizer. | Very sensitive to frost, must be cultivated indoors or in the winter garden all year round. |
Here, too, we can only give a small excerpt of the variety of plants that have conquered our homes from Africa.
tips
Many African flowers and plants get by with very little water and a modicum of care. This makes them ideal for people who can invest little time in caring for their green roommates.