Introducing the drought & humidity tolerant Ledebouria socialis "Miner" that is commonly known as Silver Squill, Violet Squill, Leopard lily & Wood Hyacinth. It gets its common name silver squill because of its unique silver-grey foliage. This dwarf plant has a fast growth rate and reaches a height of up to 8 inches, with the most widely cultivated bulbs multiplying fast.

Silver Squill, a bulbous perennial plant in the Asparagaceae family, shares fleshy leaves with succulents but is not classified as a succulent. The 'Miner' variety of Ledebouria socialis stands out with its distinctive leaves. Its fleshy leaves store energy in its bulb. 

The leaves are elongated and have a beautiful silver-green coloration with dark green spots or markings. These markings resemble the spots found on a leopard's coat, hence this silver squill plant is also known as "Leopard Lily." The contrast between the silver background and the dark spots creates an eye-catching and visually appealing display. 

Interestingly, the variegated silver squill miner does flower very rarely, but in its natural habitat, the silver squill in early spring grows small green flowers or white-pale pink on pink stems emerge from the rosette-shaped foliage. They emerge from the center of the plant and add a touch of elegance to its overall appearance. However, it's important to note that the plant's main attraction lies in its foliage (delicate stems) rather than its flowers. 

Additionally, this silver squill has the ability to produce offsets or "pups." Ledebouria socialis propagation is best done through its teardrop-shaped bulbs formed by dividing tubers and rhizomes. As they mature, they can be separated and propagated to create new plants. This makes it a great option for those interested in expanding their succulent collection or sharing plants with friends.

This Silver squill leopard lily is winter dormant and native to eastern South Africa. It requires filtered sunlight for optimal growth. The squill plant is slightly frost-hardy. Plus, this silver squill variety is toxic to both humans and pets if consumed.  

 Watering Needs 

Silver squill has minimal watering needs. It's important to strike a balance and avoid overwatering or underwatering this perennial plant. When watering your Silver squill plant, allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. This will help prevent the risk of root rot. It's best to water it thoroughly and then let the excess water drain out completely. 

The watering needs of the silver squill ledebouria socialis include regular watering typically in its active growth period during spring and summer, but the soil should never be wet for long. In winter, cut down on watering. Observing the plant's leaves can also give you an indication of its watering needs. 

If the leaves start to appear wrinkled or droopy, it may be a sign that your Ledebouria socialis needs water. On the other hand, if the leaves become mushy or discolored, it could be a sign of overwatering. 

 Light Requirements 

Silver squill prefers bright, indirect light for at least 4-6 hours daily. The silver squill light requirement includes filtered sunlight. It thrives in minimal direct sunlight, but too much of it should be avoided as it can scorch the leaves. 

Place your Silver squill plant in a location where it can receive bright light throughout the day. A north or east-facing window is usually ideal for filtered or indirect light. If you don't have access to natural light, you can use artificial grow lights to provide the necessary light requirements for your Ledebouria socialis 'Miner'. 

Keep an eye on the leaves of your Silver Squill. If they start to turn yellow or pale, it may be a sign that your succulent is not receiving enough light. If, on the other hand, the leaves become bleached or develop brown spots, this could indicate that they have been exposed to too much direct sunlight. 

Remember to rotate your Ledebouria socialis occasionally to ensure even light exposure to all sides. This will help prevent the succulent plant from leaning or growing unevenly toward the light source. 

Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs 

For Silver Squill, it's best to use well-draining sandy soil that allows excess water to flow out easily. The silver squill soil should be humus rich. It should be sandy for good drainage. Fine to medium-grained is a good option. Ideally, you want to use our specialized succulent potting mix that contains 5 natural substrates and organic mycorrhizae to promote the development of a strong root system that helps your succulent to thrive. 

As for fertilizer, Silver Squill doesn't require heavy feeding. You can use a balanced fertilizer with NPK (5-10-5) during the growing season, which is typically in spring. During the dormant period in fall and winter, you can reduce or stop fertilizing altogether. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to nutrient burn and damage the plant's roots. 

 Hardiness Zone & More 

Silver Squill are typically grown as indoor plants in cooler climates. It is recommended to grow outdoors in USDA zones 9-11, which generally have average room temperatures between 65-75°F (typically when winter temperatures drop). It's important to avoid exposing it to temperatures below 50°F as it can cause damage to the foliage and overall health of the Ledebouria socialis

In terms of humidity, Silver Squill prefers moderate humidity levels, around 40- 60 %.You can achieve this by misting the leaves occasionally or placing a tray of water near the silver squill plant to increase humidity. However, it can still tolerate lower humidity levels, so it should do well if you are growing silver squill indoors. 

Plus, Silver Squill has various cultivars, including Juda, Paucifolia, and Violacea. As Silver squill 'Juda' has variegated leaves, silver squill 'Paucifolia' is shorter, and silver squill 'Violacea' has silvery white leaves with dark green spots. All these varieties are stunning on their own, but Ledebouria socialis 'Miner' is our favourite. So, what are you waiting for?? Add this cool silver squill plant to your collection today.