Care of the bulbous plant Ledebouria socialis or Silver squill |
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The genus Ledebouria, family Asparagaceae, comprises 50 species of herbaceous, perennial and bulbous plants native to southern Africa, Madagascar, and India. Some species are: Ledebouria socialis, Ledebouria insularis, Ledebouria grandifolia, Ledebouria marginata, Ledebouria minima. Common names: Violet Squill, Leopard Lily, South African Scilla, Bluebell, Wood hyacinth, Silver African hyacinth, Silver squill. This species is native to KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. They are small bulbous plants that reach 20 cm (7.87") in height. The fleshy, lanceolate leaves are green and silver with leopard-skin-like patterns on the upper surface and purple on the underside. They produce clusters of small bell-shaped flowers that are not decorative. They bloom in spring and summer. They are used as indoor and greenhouse plants. In regions without frost they are used to create beautiful clumps in the garden. Ledebouria socialis is an easy-to-grow plant that grows in sun or semi-shade exposures. It does not resist frost. The soil can be a garden substrate with 1/3 coarse sand. Water moderately, waiting for the substrate to dry. Fertilize monthly with mineral fertilizer during spring and summer. They are plants resistant to pests and diseases but sensitive to excess humidity. They propagate from the bulblets that the plant itself produces; This can be done at any time of the year. |
Images of the bulbous plant Ledebouria socialis or Silver squill |
 Ledebouria socialis  Ledebouria socialis  Ledebouria socialis  Ledebouria socialis  Ledebouria socialis |