Green Squill

Known by a number of different names, Green Squill is an attractive and extremely hardy bulbous plant that requires a minimum of care. Also known as Wood Hyacinth, Leopard Lily and South African Scilla, this little gem is prized by succulent collectors (even though not technically a succulent), and makes a wonderfully decorative indoor plant.

With delicate looking green lance shaped foliage and showing off spots of silvery green, it is obvious when looking at it why this sweet perennial has the common name of Leopard Lily.

Naturally occurring in the arid savanna and Summer rainfall areas of South Africa, Squills require bright indirect light for about 3-4 hours a day, and thrives in fairly dry soils. Plants do best if a Winter dormancy is achieved so we recommend shifting to a dry area for the cooler months or simply stop watering over Winter. This will force these evergreen bulbs into a semi-dormancy which will encourage the plants to flower as the weather begins to warm again.

When repotting Ledebouria, select a potting mix for succulents or a gritty free draining soil in the garden. Ensure only the roots and the bottom half of the bulb are beneath the soil and plant bulbs fairly close to each other to form a small clump. Water sparingly during the first 4-6 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Once plants are established, intermittent watering only during the warmer months is best as Squills are extremely drought tolerant. Apply a liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Bulbs will gradually increase so once plants are overcrowded in the pot or clump, separate after the flowering season and start all over again.