Bulbine abyssinica, commonly known as Yellow Cat's Tail, is a succulent perennial with arching, fleshy leaves and spikes of bright yellow, star-shaped flowers.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full sun to partial shade
75% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best flowering
Moderate during growth, low in winter
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry between waterings, avoid waterlogging
Well-drained
50% intensity
Mild to warm
50% intensity
Prefers temperatures between 18-25°C during the day, can tolerate cooler nights
Low
25% intensity
Fertilize sparingly in spring and early summer
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water moderately during the growing season (spring to autumn), allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Reduce watering significantly in winter, providing only enough to prevent the bulbs from completely drying out. Overwatering can lead to root rot, especially in poorly draining soil.
Deadhead spent flower stalks to encourage more blooms and maintain a tidy appearance. Remove any yellowing or dead foliage at the base of the plant as it appears.
Pruning is generally minimal; focus on tidiness and removing spent flower parts to prolong the blooming period.
Propagate by offsets or bulb division. Carefully separate offsets from the parent bulb during repotting in spring. Replant them in well-draining soil.
Alternatively, sow seeds in spring in a well-draining mix and keep them moist and warm, though propagation by division is generally easier.
Repot every 2-3 years or when the plant becomes overcrowded. Spring is the ideal time for repotting, preferably after flowering has finished. Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a cactus or succulent blend.
Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current root ball.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Yellow Cat's Tail (Bulbine abyssinica)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Asphodelaceae |
| Genus | Bulbine |
| Species | Bulbine abyssinica |
Similar in genus Bulbine
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
