Ledebouria socialis is one of the most widely cultivated bulbs, favored by succulent growers. It is up to 10 inches (25 cm) tall, with teardrop-shaped bulbs that usually are entirely above the ground with fleshy, up to 6 inches (15 cm) long, lance-shaped leaves that are bright gray-purple with green blotches above. The underside is all purple. In spring and summer, rising up on delicate pink stalks just above the leaves, are the 20 to 25 small flowers that have greenish petals with white markings and purple stamens.

How to Grow and Care

Silver Squill is often cultivated as houseplant and grows well with minimal care. It requires bright light with 3 to 4 hours a day of direct sunlight.

During the active growth period, interior temperatures are fine for Silver Squill's grown as houseplants. Outdoor plants can withstand winter temperatures down to 30°F (-1°C). Try growing Silver Squill outdoors during spring and summer when ambient temperatures are at least 60°F (15°C). In cold regions, move the plant back indoors.

Use a soil based potting mixture and plant Silver Squill bulbs in pans or half-pots. Pot up the bulbs in the spring, but no more than 3 bulbs in a single 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) pot. Space the bulbs evenly over the surface and bury only the bottom half or each bulb in the potting mixture. During the first 4 or 6 weeks do not feed the plants and water sparingly, allowing the top half or the potting mixture to dry out between waterings. When the new roots should be well established, treat the plants in the normal way. Break up overcrowded clumps every 2 or 3 years.