African Mask Plant Care Guide

The ideal place for your African Mask Plant is a spot that gets nice natural bright but indirect light. They will struggle in darker areas of your home, as well as in direct sunlight so it is important you find the right balance. If you plant is getting enough light, we recommend using a light monitor.

We recommend watering African Mask Plants quite often, but not with a large volume of water in one go. They don’t want their soil to dry out, but they also don’t want their roots to become waterlogged. We often use a moisture meter to help us know exactly when our plant needs water.

Dry air is the number 1 reason why houseplant lovers find it difficult to grow and care for African Mask Plants. They require a humid environment as they are native to the tropics. There are several ways you can increase humidity levels which we explain further in our humidity guide. The easiest way to increase humidity levels is by using a humidifier.

Similarly to the high humidity levels, African Mask Plants also prefer warmer temperatures. They will tolerate colder months over winter but you will see them struggle to produce any new growth at this time. Make sure to keep them away from drafty windows or air conditioning vents where they might experience cooler temperatures. A digital thermometer is a great way to know for sure if your plant is in the right spot.

It is very important that you only feed African Mask Plants during Spring and Summer. We recommend fertilising them once a month during this time during a liquid fertiliser at less than recommended strength.

Similarly to fertilisation, it’s not a great idea to repot your African Mask Plant during colder months. The best time to repot would be in Spring as the growth period approaches so that the plant can get used to its new environment and shock will be easily overcome.

As with any houseplant with large flat leaves, African Mask Plants are prone to a build up of dust. Make sure to wipe the leaves down every few weeks.

Unfortunately, African Mask Plants are toxic to pets as the leaves contain a chemical that if ingested by your pet, can cause stomach issues and vomiting. We recommend you keep yours away from your furry friends as well as young children.

As your African Mask Plant matures, you might want to think about propagating if the plant becomes too big for the space. Carefully take the roots out of the pot and separate the root systems with your fingers. Only use shears if absolutely necessary. You can then pot the new plant directly into the soil and continue usual care.