From our perspective, light is not a luxury; it is our food. We, African Daisies (Osteospermum), are sun-worshippers by nature, originating from open, sunny landscapes. To truly thrive indoors year-round, we require a significant daily dose of very bright, direct light. A south-facing window is our ideal location, where we can bask in the sun's energy for a minimum of 6-8 hours each day. Without this, our stems will become weak and leggy as we desperately stretch towards any available light source, our flowering will cease entirely, and our overall vitality will diminish. While specialized grow lights can supplement natural light, they must be powerful and positioned correctly to mimic the intensity of the sun we crave.
Unlike many tropical houseplants, we do not enjoy consistently warm indoor temperatures. Our growth and flowering cycles are actually triggered by cooler conditions. We prefer daytime temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C) and, crucially, a significant drop at night to around 50-60°F (10-15°C). This nightly cooldown is a key signal for us to produce our vibrant blooms. The constant, dry heat typical of most modern homes, especially in winter, is stressful for us. It can lead to bud drop, reduced flowering, and make us more susceptible to pests like spider mites, who adore dry, warm air.
Our roots are highly susceptible to rot. We demand exceptionally well-draining soil—a cactus or succulent mix is often more suitable than a standard potting soil. When you water us, please do so thoroughly, allowing water to flow freely from the drainage holes, but then it is imperative you let the top few inches of soil dry out completely before even considering watering again. We are drought-tolerant and would much prefer to be slightly underwatered than have our roots sitting in constant moisture. Good air circulation around our pot also helps keep our foliage dry and prevents fungal diseases.
Even with perfect conditions, attempting to force us to bloom non-stop indoors year-round goes against our natural cycle. We are perennial plants that benefit from a period of rest. You may find that after a prolific flowering period, we need a break. To accommodate this, you can cut us back after a flush of blooms and reduce watering, allowing us a semi-dormant period. Furthermore, we are not long-lived perennials indoors. The most successful long-term strategy is often to propagate new plants from cuttings every year or two. This allows you to enjoy vigorous, compact, and free-flowering plants rather than battling with an older, woody, and less productive specimen.
So, can you grow us indoors year-round? It is possible, but it is a significant challenge that requires carefully mimicking our native Mediterranean-like environment. You must provide an abundance of sun, cooler temperatures (especially at night), perfect drainage, and attentive watering. Without these specific conditions, we will not truly thrive; we will merely survive, becoming leggy, sparse, and unlikely to reward you with our signature daisy-like flowers. For the best results, consider us fantastic seasonal indoor plants for a sun-drenched room, but understand that we may always perform our very best with at least some time outdoors in the fresh air and full sun.
