How to Propagate Silver Squill: Care Tips for Silver Squill

Ledebouria socialis, commonly known as silver squill, is a species of small, hardy perennial plants that originated in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Botanist John Gilbert Baker first described the plant in the 1870s and included it in the Scilla genus, a group of bulb-forming herbaceous plants in the Asparagaceae family. In 1970, South African botanist John Peter Jessop added the silver squill to the genus Ledebouria, giving the little plant its current scientific name, Ledebouria socialis. Other common names for the plant include wood hyacinth, bluebell, leopard lily, and violet squill.

Silver squill has mottled, lance-shaped leaves and clusters of small green flowers with white borders, while its purplish, teardrop-shaped bulbs are about .4 inches in diameter and epigeal, or exposed. The plant only grows up to 10 inches in height, making it a popular choice to grow indoors. Gardeners can grow silver squill as outdoor plants in warmer climates, like USDA Hardiness Zones 10 and 11. Their drought-tolerant nature makes them a good choice for ground cover or xeriscape gardening.

In its native habitat, the plant grows in partial to full sun during the summer rainfall months in woodland areas. The blotches of color on its leaves—silver and olive on the surface and purple on its underside—helps it blend into its surroundings. Though the silver squill closely resembles a succulent plant, it’s a geophytic species, which means that it stores its water and energy resources in underground organs like tubers.

Propagation is the best way to grow silver squill because germinating the seeds can take too much time and yield inconsistent results. The best time to propagate silver squill is after the flowers have faded in late spring. Here is a breakdown of the process:

• Select a pot. While you can grow silver squill in a standard pot, consider planting it in a hanging container or on a windowsill if you have pets or small children: The plant is highly toxic and can be harmful if ingested.
• Prepare the soil. Silver squills grow in sandy soil in their natural habitat, so select a nutrient-rich, well-draining soil for your plant.
  
• Depot the plant and separate the bulbs. Once your pot is ready, remove the silver squill from its pot and separate three bulbs from the plant.
• Add the bulbs to the potting soil. Place the bottom halves of the three bulbs down in the potting mixture of the new pot, leaving the top half of the bulb exposed. Space them out evenly, so they have room to grow.
• Water the bulbs. Water the plant immediately after repotting to settle the soil. Water moderately as the plant establishes its roots.

Silver squill plants only require minimal care: a few hours of indirect bright light, ambient temperatures, and infrequent watering. Here are some care tips for silver squill:

• Water sparingly: Silver squill plants only need light watering during their active period and dormancy. Allow the top inch of the soil to dry out before watering again during the warmer months to avoid soggy roots, which can be detrimental to its growth. In the winter, water the soil enough to keep it from completely drying out.
• Monthly fertilization: Add liquid fertilizer to your silver squill once a month during its active growth period to encourage bulb growth.
• Maintain ambient temperature: Indoor plants prefer room temperature during the spring and summer months. Outdoor plants can tolerate winter temperatures as low as 30 degrees Fahrenheit but move them indoors if the weather grows colder.

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