Albuca Spiralis [AL-buh-Kuh, Spir-AH-liss] is one of the most unusual plants as it looks like spiral grass.
This distinctive-looking succulent plant belongs to the family of Asparagaceae and is native to South African regions.
It adds a touch of whimsy look to any garden.
The common names for Albuca Spiralis include:
- Sticky Corkscrew Lily
- Curly Albuca
- Helicopter Plant
- Slime Lily
- Spiral Albuca
- Spiral Leaves Albuca
- Corkscrew Albuca
Albuca Spiralis Plants Care
Size & Growth
Corkscrew Frizzle Sizzle Albuca grows around 8” inches tall and forms small groups with corkscrew leaves.
The tips of the leaves curl and spiral, giving them a unique appearance.
During late winter, this little plant begins growing foliage.
This is when the unique twists and curls appear, creating a fascinating look.
Flowering and Fragrance
Albuca Spiralis ‘frizzle sizzle’ has a flower spike at the center bearing green blooms, sometimes fragrant yellow flowers, on individual flower stalks.
After flowering, this plant enters dormancy for the summer season.
The blooms have a sweet butter vanilla fragrance.
Light & Temperature
Corkscrew Albuca prefers the full sunlight but also grows well in partial sun or a grow light.
This plant is not frost-hardy, and cold temperatures might damage its bulb.
The minimum temperature required by this plant is 60° degrees Fahrenheit (15° C).
The curling leaf tips of these succulents depend on the weather conditions.
Dry and cold conditions encourage tightly curled leaves, but the tips of the leaves stay straight and erect during warm conditions.
The hardiness zone of this plant is 8 – 10.
Albuca Frizzle Sizzle Watering and Feeding
When planting, this plant requires consistent watering, but switch to light watering once it is established. Excess moisture will lead to bulb rot.
Using an all-purpose fertilizer, the bulbs must be fertilized annually during the early spring season.
It will require regular feed during its growing season.
Ensure it gets diluted and balanced liquid feed monthly.
Feed the plant after slightly wetting it.
Soil & Transplanting
The frizzle sizzle plant prefers well-drained soil. Always use the plant in a pot with drainage holes.
A mixture of sand and loam helps with the growth of this plant.
Alkaline, acidic, and neutral soil pH levels are fine.
Grooming and Maintenance
Albuca ‘frizzle sizzle’ is easy to care for when planted in the right location of the garden with good drainage.
It needs average moisture and moderately fertile soil.
Remove the spent foliage when it turns yellow and starts to wilt.
Albuca is a cool-season plant, new plant growth isn’t initiated till fall’s cooling effects are felt.
The dormancy period of this plant starts around late May.
Not having much foliage during summer is natural.
Even when there is foliage during this season, it might appear ratty.
However, as long as the underground bulb is firm, the plant is in good condition.
The appearance will start improving during the fall season.
How to Propagate Albuca Frizzle Sizzle
- The propagation of Albuca ‘frizzle sizzle’ is done using offsets.
- Divide them away from the parent plant and grow them separately.
- Not all species of this plant produce offsets, which is why seeds are often used for propagation.
- The germination process of Frizzle Sizzle fresh seeds starts a week after sowing.
- The right time to plant the seeds is when the parent plants actively resprouting.
- Ensure the seeds are planted quickly since the viability duration of the seed is around six months.
- After plantation, ensure the seedlings are somewhat moist in a warm area and under medium light.
- After three years, the plant might look different from its parent plant since it is relatively easy for the seeds to hybridize.
Frizzle Sizzle Pest or Disease Problems
This plant doesn’t experience significant pests and disease problems, making it an ideal house and home garden plant.
However, frost damage and excess water may result in rotten bulbs during their growing period.
Albuca Spiralis Uses
This eye-catching little plant looks excellent as a window sill succulent in a rock garden, containers, patio, and slopes in partial sun.
