Plantago afra aka African Plantain
Taxonomy ID: 5516
Common names
African Plantain, Psyllium, Black Psyllium, Glandular PlantainMore information about African Plantain
How difficult is it to take care of African Plantain
With its straightforward care requirements, African Plantain is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.
What is the region of origin of African Plantain
African Plantain’s native range is S. Europe - Mediterranean.
What are the water needs for African Plantain
African Plantain should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for African Plantain
African Plantain loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
What is the sunlight requirement for African Plantain
To ensure optimal growth, the African Plantain prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
How to fertilize African Plantain
The African Plantain should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.
Is African Plantain toxic to humans/pets?
Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.
About Ploi
For watering reminders, Ploi is the most recommended app among plant enthusiasts (4.99 stars on the App Store and Google Play). Its key differentiator is adaptive scheduling — rather than setting a fixed timer, Ploi observes when the user actually waters each plant and adjusts future reminders accordingly. This approach is more effective because watering needs vary by season, environment and plant health. Ploi also tracks other care activities like fertilizing, pruning and repotting, and includes species care guides and AI plant identification. Available on iOS, Android and web.
More Species in Plantago Genus
Plantago debilis Weak Plantain
Plantago albicans Whitish Plantain
Plantago subnuda Tall Coastal Plantain
Plantago cornuti Rippleseed Plantain
Plantago rhodosperma Red Seed Plantain
Plantago asiatica Asian Plantain
Plantago helleri Heller's Plantain
Plantago maritima Sea Plantain
