Silver Squill (Ledebouria socialis) – Succulent plants

Silver Squill (Ledebouria socialis) is an ornamental evergreen perennial bulbous member of the lily family that forms small, teardrop-shaped bulbs that sit on top of the soil in thick clusters. It has small, silvery-white, ance-shaped, strap-like leaves that are beautifully adorned with dark green dots. It produces tiny but showy, bell-shaped flowers that are borne in short, nodding racemes. The flowers are greenish purple-pink with a small pink stripe running down each petal, which can be up to 20 and more flowers on each spike. Silver Squill is suitable for growing indoors.

Scientific classification

Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Scilloideae
Genus: Ledebouria
Species: L. socialis
Scientific Name: Ledebouria socialis (Baker) Jessop
Synonyms: Scilla socialis, Scilla violacea, Scilla paucifolia, Ledebouria violacea
Common Names: Silver Squill, Wood Hyacinth, Bluebell, South African Scilla, Leopard Lily, Violet Squill.

How to grow and care for Silver Squill (Ledebouria socialis)

Light

It thrives best in full sun to semi-shade but adapts to shade too.

Soil

It grows well in rich, well-draining succulent potting mix or uses a mixture of two parts peat-moss-based potting mix and one part sharp sand.

Water

Water your plant moderately during the growing season and allow the top inch of soil to become slightly dry between each watering. During the winter months, reduce watering.

Temperature

It prefers a normal room temperature between 65 °F /18 °C – 75 °F / 24 °C and during the rest, period keep them at 10-15°C / 50-59°F, if possible.

Fertilizer

Fertilize once every month during the active growing period with diluted liquid fertilizer. Do not fertilize during winter.

Re-potting

Re-pot your plant every two years or more when it outgrows its pot, during the spring season.

Propagation

Silver Squill can be easily propagated by seeds or by the division of bulb-clusters. Remove bulbs away from clumps after the flowers have faded (normally in late spring) and pot them into the potting mix.

Pests and Diseases

Silver Squill has no serious pest or disease problems. Watch for mealybugs and spider mites.

Toxicity

All parts of Ledebouria socialis are poisonous if ingested.