Scilla africana is a bulbous perennial plant native to South Africa, known for its starry blue flowers that bloom in spring.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright, indirect light
75% intensity
Prefers bright, indirect sunlight. Can tolerate some direct morning sun, but avoid intense afternoon sun which can scorch leaves.
Moderate during growth, very low during dormancy
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry between waterings in the growing season. Keep bulbs dry when dormant.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Cool to moderate
50% intensity
Prefers temperatures between 15-20°C during the growing season. Can tolerate cooler temperatures during dormancy, around 5-10°C.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Sparingly
25% intensity
Feed lightly with a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer only during the active growing season.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water moderately during the growing season (spring and summer), allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Reduce watering significantly in autumn and winter, providing only enough to prevent the bulbs from completely drying out. Ensure good drainage to prevent bulb rot, especially during dormancy.
Remove spent flower stalks after blooming to prevent the plant from expending energy on seed production.
Allow the foliage to naturally yellow and wither before removing it; this allows the bulb to store energy for the next growing season. No other significant pruning is typically required.
Propagate primarily by offsets (bulblets) that form around the parent bulb. Carefully separate these bulblets during repotting in the dormant season (late summer or autumn) and plant them in well-draining soil.
They may take a year or two to reach flowering size.
Repot every 2-3 years or when the bulbs become crowded. The best time to repot is during the dormant period, typically in late summer or early autumn, after the foliage has died back.
Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a blend of potting soil, perlite, and sand.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Genus | Scilla |
| Species | Scilla africana |
Similar in genus Scilla
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
