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Ledebouria Socialis (Ledebouria socialis)

Ledebouria socialis, or Silver Squill, is a small, attractive succulent native to South Africa, prized for its patterned leaves and ease of care.

Above information is sourced from Wikipedia

Sunlight

Bright, indirect light

Watering

Allow soil to dry between waterings

Soil

Well-draining potting mix

Temperature

Average room temperature

Fertilizer

Light feeding during growing season

Care Requirements

Light

Bright, indirect light

Can tolerate some direct morning sun but avoid intense afternoon sun which can scorch leaves.

Watering

Allow soil to dry between waterings

Reduce significantly in winter.

Soil

Well-draining potting mix

Temperature

Average room temperature

Prefers temperatures between 18-24°C (65-75°F). Can tolerate cooler temperatures in winter dormancy but protect from frost.

Fertilizing

Light feeding during growing season

Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength in spring and summer.

Plant Overview

Plant Type

Succulent

Plant Place Type

Pot

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Height

0.1-0.3 m

Spread

0.1-0.3 m

Growth Rate

Moderate

Dormancy

None

Leaf Color

Green, Silver, Purple

Leaf Type

Succulent

Flower Size

Small

Optimal Sunlight Lux

7000

Image Gallery

Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.

Northern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JunPeak fruit · Jun
FloweringFruiting
02468JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecActivity intensityMonths94
Southern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · DecPeak fruit · Dec
FloweringFruiting
02468JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecActivity intensityMonths94
Synonyms
Ledebouria violacea (Hutch.) W.L.Tjaden
Scilla paucifolia Baker
Scilla socialis Baker
Scilla violacea Hutch.
Taxonomy
  • kingdomPlantae
  • divisionTracheophyta
  • classLiliopsida
  • orderAsparagales
  • familyAsparagaceae
  • genusLedebouria
  • speciesLedebouria socialis
Toxicity

Toxic for humans

No

Rating: 0/5

Toxic for pets

No

Rating: 0/5

Edible

No

Non-toxic

Additional Care Tips

Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Allow excess water to drain completely to prevent root rot. Reduce watering significantly during winter dormancy, only providing enough to keep the bulbs from completely shriveling. Overwatering is the most common cause of failure.

Pruning is generally not required for Ledebouria socialis. Remove any dead or dried leaves as they appear to maintain a tidy appearance and prevent potential disease. If the plant becomes leggy or overcrowded, you can divide it during repotting, which effectively refreshes its appearance.

Easily propagated by offsets or bulb division. Gently separate small bulbs (offsets) from the mother plant during repotting. Allow the cuts to callus over for a day or two before planting them in well-draining soil. They root readily and grow quickly under favorable conditions.

Repot every 1-2 years in spring or early summer, or when the pot becomes crowded with offsets. Use a gritty, well-draining potting mix, such as a cactus or succulent blend. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current root ball to avoid excess moisture retention.

FAQs

What kind of light does Ledebouria socialis need?

Ledebouria socialis thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch its leaves.

How often should I water Ledebouria socialis?

Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry. Reduce watering in cooler months to prevent overwatering.

What type of soil is best for Ledebouria socialis?

A well-draining potting mix, such as a cactus or succulent mix, is ideal to prevent root rot.

Can Ledebouria socialis tolerate cold temperatures?

No, Ledebouria socialis is not frost-tolerant and should be protected from temperatures below 10°C (50°F).

How do I propagate Ledebouria socialis?

Propagation is easily done by division of the bulbous roots or by offsets (pups) that grow around the mother plant.