Easy African Houseplants for Beginners
African indoor plants offer something special—vibrance, resilience, and a cultural richness that brings your home to your life. But if you are just starting out with houseplants, do not worry- it is easy to feel overwhelmed.
This guide is mainly designed to help beginners feel confident. We will explore some of the easiest African houseplants you can grow—even if you have never kept a plant alive before.(You will in some day- for sure,yeah!)
If you are already growing a few and want to multiply them, do not miss our in depth guide to propagating African houseplants. Need a plant that thrives better than your last relationship? Check out these resilient African indoor plants—they don’t ghost you when things get tough
5 Easy African Houseplants for Beginners
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
Also known as mother-in-law’s tongue. This beautiful plant is almost impossible to kill. It tolerates low light, infrequent watering and poor air circulation. It is ideal for bedrooms, offices, or anyone who forgets to water.( They do not mind)
2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
This trendy ZZ plant is a slow grower but makes a big impression with its waxy, deep-green leaves. It does really well in medium to low light and can survive weeks without water.
3. Aloe Vera
Popular for both its looks and its healing properties, Aloe is a must-have in your place. It blooms in bright, sunny spots and only needs water when the soil is completely dry.
4. African Violet (Saintpaulia)
If you want color without too much effort, African Violets are perfect. Keep their soil moist (not soggy), and avoid getting water on the leaves to prevent spots.
5. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
This succulent is known for bringing luck and prosperity. It needs bright light, occasional watering, and not much else. Over time, it can grow into a small, bonsai-like tree.
Add character to your space with African indoor plants—tough, beautiful, and far less demanding than most houseguests.
Quick Tips for New Plant Parents
- Use pots with proper drainage holes to avoid water-logging.
- Let the top inch of soil dry out before watering again.
- Start with one or two easy plants before building a larger collection.
- Avoid direct sunlight for soft-leaved plants like African Violet
- Wipe the leaves every few weeks to keep them dust-free.
My First African Plant in Spain
During a semester abroad in Cádiz, I bought a beautiful small Aloe Vera from a local plant market. It came in a tiny clay pot and sat on the windowsill of my flat, basking in the warm Spanish sun. I didn’t know much about plants at the time but this one taught me the basics and I kept learning. I watered it once a week, gave it light, and that was enough.
By the end of the semester, it had doubled in size. I couldn’t take it home so I gave it to a fellow-student who was struggling with homesickness. We still stay in touch and he sends me photos of that same plant. It’s a reminder that even a small plant can have a big impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which African plant is the easiest to grow?
Snake Plant and ZZ Plant are some of the easiest plants to have. They can handle low light, irregular watering, and still bloom.
Are African houseplants safe for pets?
Some like the Spider Plant are mostly pet-safe. Other plants such as the ZZ and Snake Plant can be mildly toxic if ingested- but you can try. Keep them out of reach.(Recommended)
How much sunlight do these plants need?
Most prefer bright, indirect light. Snake and ZZ Plants can handle low-light conditions, making them great for rooms without a lot of sun.
Can I grow these plants in the bathroom?
Yes, some like African Violets and ZZ Plants do well in humid environments like bathrooms. Just make sure there is enough light.
How often should I water my plant?
Most of these plants we mentioned above only need water every two to three weeks. Always make sure to check if the soil is dry before watering again.
For a touch of bold greenery that’s easy to love and hard to kill, don’t miss our guide on African indoor plants