African Daisy Plant
African Daisy (Osteospermum) is a perennial that grows 1-2 ft tall, hardy in USDA Zones 9-11, prefers well-drained, sandy soil, full sun, medium moisture, and has no edible or medicinal uses.
Habit
Spreading
Height
1-2 ft
Growth
Perennial
Soil
Well-drained, loamy
Shade
Full Sun
Moisture
Moderate
Edible
No
Medicinal
No
Origin
South Africa
Climatic Condition
Mediterranean, Dry
Temperature (°)
10-30°C
Humidity (%)
40-70%
Potting media
Pear+Perlite
Fertilizers
Low Nitrogen (5:10:5)
Watering
Low, Drought Tolerant
Plant Weight
100-300 g
Flowering Time
Spring-Summer
Soil Ph level
5.5-7.5
Water Ph level
6.0-7.5
Soil EC
1-2 dS/m
Yield Per Plant
Ornamental
NPK ratio
10:10:10
life Span
2-4 yrs
Health Benefits
Suggested Grow Media or Potting Mix ?
50% peat, 25% sand, 25% compost
Suggested Fertigation/Fertilizers
Fertilize every 2 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
Common Diseases and Remedies
Powdery Mildew Gray Mold Aphids Leaf Spot Root Rot
White powdery growth on leaves Gray, fuzzy mold on leaves and flowers Yellowing leaves, sticky residue on leaves Brown or black spots on leaves Wilting, yellowing leaves, root discoloration
Neem oil, baking soda spray Improve air circulation, remove affected parts Insecticidal soap, ladybugs Remove infected leaves, use compost tea spray Improve soil drainage, use beneficial soil microbes
Sulfur-based fungicides Iprodione or thiophanate-methyl Insecticides containing imidacloprid Copper-based fungicides Fungicides with metalaxyl or mefenoxam
HEALTH BENEFITS
African daisies (Osteospermum) are popular ornamental plants known for their vibrant flowers. While not typically consumed for medicinal purposes, they may offer some health benefits when used in traditional herbal medicine, though these benefits are not as widely researched as more commonly used herbs.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Some studies suggest that compounds found in African daisies may have anti-inflammatory effects, which could potentially help with conditions like arthritis or other inflammatory diseases.
- Antioxidant effects: The plant contains antioxidants, which help neutralize free radicals in the body. This may contribute to reducing oxidative stress and lowering the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.
- Skin care: Some people use extracts from African daisies in skin-care products due to their potential for soothing irritated skin or promoting a healthy complexion, as certain plant compounds may have mild antimicrobial or healing properties.
However, it's important to note that more research is needed to substantiate these potential benefits. Always consult a healthcare provider before using any plant for medicinal purposes.