- Home
- Succulents
- Albuca
- Albuca polyphylla
Albuca polyphylla
Ideally, place in full sun, but it will also tolerate partial shade. If possible, the plant can be moved outdoors during the summer.
Water a few days after the substrate has dried out. However, only water during the growing season.
It can withstand temperatures as low as -6.7 °C for short periods. However, the plant is not frost-resistant.
The species name polyphylla means "many-leaved" and refers to the large number of narrow leaves growing from the bulb.
Albuca polyphylla is a bulbous plant native to the Cradock region in the interior of South Africa. This area is characterised by a dry climate and strong temperature differences, which is reflected in the hardiness and undemanding nature of this species.
From the tops of the bulbs emerge thin, grass-like leaves of a fresh green colour. When grown in full summer sun, the leaf surface may develop a slightly greyish tone. As the leaves grow longer, they tend to arch outward and may gradually dry along their entire length. The plant produces small offset bulbs, with all bulbs enclosed together in a single pale, papery outer skin.
In late winter, buds appear that are attractive even before opening. The flowers open only partially – some petals remain permanently closed, giving the blooms their characteristic appearance. In the evening, the flowers close again into a bud-like form.
If the leaves begin to dry significantly, they can be removed without any problem. Fertilising is not necessary; regular repotting is more suitable. Propagation is very easy by separating the offset bulbs, and overall this is an undemanding plant suitable even for less experienced growers.