If you’ve ever thought about growing Afang, also known as Gnetum africanum, you’re not alone.
This leafy vine is a favourite in many Nigerian kitchens, especially for its rich, slightly bitter taste and nutritional benefits.
But here’s the truth: most first-time Afang growers struggle not because Afang is hard to grow, but because they skip the preparation stage.
They plant it like any other vegetable, and then wonder why it doesn’t thrive.
Before you plant your first cutting, there are a few essential things you should know, about the soil, the weather, the patience it needs, and even how to plan your space.
Let’s go step by step so you don’t waste time or effort.
Thing #1 – Know What Afang Really Is (And Isn’t)
Afang isn’t like ugu (fluted pumpkin) or waterleaf. It’s a forest vine, not a fast-growing garden vegetable.
In the wild, Afang grows under tall trees in humid, shaded forests. It loves to climb and stretch.
Knowing this helps you see why it doesn’t do well under direct sunlight or in dry soil. Afang is naturally slow and steady, it thrives when you recreate its forest-like environment.
If you treat it like spinach, it won’t survive. But if you understand its nature, you’ll grow lush green vines that last for years.
You can learn more about its natural habitat from resources like the FAO’s Plant Database.
Thing #2 – Know the Best Climate and Environmental Conditions
Before planting, think about where you live.
Afang grows best in humid tropical areas with steady rainfall and warm temperatures. It hates dryness and prolonged sun exposure.
If your garden is too open or dry, create shade using a light canopy or plant it near taller crops like plantain or cassava.
That way, it still gets filtered light, just like in the forest.
This single step can be the difference between a thriving Afang vine and one that dries up after a few weeks.
Thing #3 – Test and Prepare Your Soil Early
Healthy soil is the foundation of everything.
Afang loves loamy, well-drained soil, the kind that feels soft and rich when you touch it.
Avoid clayey soil that holds too much water or sandy soil that drains too fast.
Do a quick soil test to check the pH (it should be between 5.5 and 7). You can use a simple home test kit or get help from your local agricultural extension office.
Before planting, enrich your soil with organic compost, decomposed animal manure, or forest topsoil. This will feed the plant naturally and improve soil texture.
Thing #4 – Learn How Afang Propagates Naturally
Here’s something most people don’t know: Afang doesn’t grow from seeds, it grows from stem cuttings.
In the wild, it spreads when vines touch the ground and take root. For your home or farm, you’ll need to get healthy cuttings from a mature Afang vine.
Understanding this early helps you plan how many cuttings you need and when to get them. Make sure each cutting is about 20–30 cm long and has at least two nodes (the small bumps where leaves grow).
When planted right, these nodes will form roots and start new vines.
Thing #5 – Source Your Cuttings from the Right Place
Not all Afang cuttings are equal. Some come from old, unhealthy vines that won’t grow well.
Always buy or collect cuttings from a healthy, mature vine.
Look for fresh green stems, not dry or blackened ones.
If possible, get them from local farmers or reliable herbal plant traders who specialize in Gnetum africanum.
Avoid cuttings that have fungus or soft spots. Healthy cuttings give your Afang a strong start and better yield.
Thing #6 – Plan for Support Structures and Space
One big mistake beginners make is planting Afang without giving it anything to climb.
Remember, Afang is a vine. It needs support.
Before you even plant, plan where your vines will climb. You can use:
- Wooden stakes,
- Old bamboo poles,
- Or a simple trellis made from rope or wire.
If you’re planting near a wall or fence, make sure there’s enough space for air to circulate so the vine doesn’t rot.
Spacing matters too. Each Afang cutting should be about 1 meter apart so the vines don’t choke each other.
This step makes your garden look organized and gives your plant the best chance to flourish.
Thing #7 – Understand Its Growth Timeline and Patience Required
Afang teaches patience. It’s not like vegetables you plant today and harvest next month. It takes time, usually several months before you can harvest the first leaves.
The vines first focus on building roots, then they start stretching and climbing. You might not see much growth at first, but don’t panic, it’s just taking its time.
Once established, though, Afang becomes a long-term crop. You can harvest its leaves for years if you care for it well.
Think of it as a slow investment that keeps giving.
Thing #8 – Learn About Common Pests and Prevention (Before They Appear)
Before you plant Afang, it’s smart to know what can harm it.
Like most leafy vines, Afang can attract pests, especially if the environment is too damp or the soil isn’t well-drained.
Some common issues include:
- Snails and slugs, which eat young leaves,
- Aphids, which suck the sap and weaken the plant,
- Fungal infections, especially if the area stays wet and poorly ventilated.
The good news? These problems are easy to prevent.
Here’s how:
- Keep the area around the vines clean and weed-free.
- Spray natural repellents like neem oil or wood ash around the base.
- Avoid overwatering. Afang loves moisture, but too much water invites rot.
If you’re new to organic pest control, check out resources from the Rodale Institute, they specialize in organic and sustainable farming.
Remember, prevention is easier than fighting a full pest invasion later.
Prepare for Sustainable Maintenance
Afang is not a one-season crop. With proper care, it can live and produce for years.
Before planting, it helps to plan how you’ll maintain it long-term.
Here’s what that means:
- Prune regularly: Trim excess vines to keep them healthy and productive.
- Mulch the base: Use dried leaves, grass, or compost to keep the soil moist and cool.
- Feed organically: Every few months, add compost or liquid organic fertilizer to keep the soil rich.
Also, remember that Afang vines love gentle handling. When harvesting, cut the mature leaves carefully so you don’t damage the growing tips.
The more you care for the plant naturally, the longer it thrives, and the better your harvest gets each year.
For more sustainable gardening tips, visit Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SARE).
Thing #10 – Be Patient
This might be the most important lesson before planting Afang: patience.
Afang doesn’t rush. It grows slowly, spreads quietly, and rewards consistency.
When you understand this, you stop checking it every morning expecting instant results. You’ll instead focus on nurturing it – watering gently, pruning carefully, and protecting it from harsh sun.
Over time, you’ll see strong green vines climbing confidently, producing lush leaves you can harvest again and again.
Bottom Line
Planting Afang for the first time isn’t just about putting cuttings in the ground. It’s about understanding the plant, the soil, and the environment before you begin.
If you prepare your soil, choose healthy cuttings, plan your space, and stay patient, your Afang vines will reward you with rich, nutritious leaves for years.
Now that you know what to do before planting, you’re ready for the next step — learning how to plant Afang the right way.
👉 Read our full step-by-step guide here: How to Plant Afang Successfully