albuca spiralis

Albuca spiralis (Corkscrew Albuca): Facts, How to Grow and Care

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Albuca spiralis is a species under the plant family Asparagaceae. It belongs to the extensive genus Albuca, along with a hundred other species. Commonly called corkscrew albuca or helicopter plant, the plant got its name from its very distinctive leaves. The plant is native to South Africa where it grows in sandy, stony slopes (1).

Facts about Corkscrew Albuca

Corkscrew albucas are bulbous perennial succulents. Clumps of 5 to 10 leaves grow from a single bulb that pokes out of the ground. The leaves are long, narrow, and green with an unusual spiral tip. Along the leaves are small glandular hairs that give the plant a velvety appearance. The plant has varying sizes, but it can grow up to 8 inches tall. (2,3)

An unusual plant, corkscrew albuca frizzle sizzle grows in winter and then becomes dormant during summer months. When it enters summer dormancy, some of the leaves can turn yellow and fall off (4). However, during its growing season, it surprises with delicate flowers, producing flowers on tall stems.

It could also lose all of its leaves and become ratty, but do not panic if it does. As long as the bulb is intact and firm, and the plant is healthy, it will be fine and revert back to its weirdly beautiful state come autumn (5).

Albuca Spiralis Flower

frizzle sizzle flower
Albuca spiralis plant photo by 阿橋 HQ | Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Frizzle Sizzle blooms in the spring. It is a natural occurrence for the plant to send up flower stalks, which frequently turn the browning tips.

During late winter, they become adorned with small delicate blooms. The flowers are a pale green with yellow margins and grow from a long flower stalk at the center of the spiral leaves. They exude a strong vanilla fragrance (6). The fragrant yellow flowers will last until mid-spring, and then the plant enters dormancy period.

Albuca spiralis has one famous cultivar called ‘Frizzle Sizzle’. This cultivar is hardier and easier to grow.


How to Care for Corkscrew Albuca

How much light does corkscrew albucas need?

Corkscrew albucas need lots of sunlight. They can be grown in partial shade to full sun, but full bright light is best to achieve curlier leaves. These frizzle sizzles are best grown indoors, placed in a south-facing window (7).

How often should you water corkscrew albucas?

Corkscrew albucas will need moderate watering during winter when this bulb succulent is growing prolifically. During this season, they need the soil to be moist but not soggy. Be careful not to overwater since the bulbs are very prone to root rot due to too much moisture.

As with other succulents, make sure to let the soil dry before the next watering. When the frizzle sizzle plant enters dormancy in summer, watering should be held off and the soil should be kept dry (7).

What is the optimum temperature and humidity for corkscrew albucas?

Although they prefer cooler temperatures, these soft succulents are not very frost hardy. The optimum temperature for best growth is 60 to 70°F, but it might need to drop to colder temperatures in order to produce viable seeds. High temperatures can scorch the spiral leaves.

These frizzle sizzle plants also prefer low to moderate humidity. High humidity can cause the plant’s leaves to lose their turgidity and become soft (5,7).

What is the best potting/growing media for corkscrew albucas?

Just like in their natural habitat, corkscrew albucas require sandy, well-drained soil. It must also be rich in nutrients for the best growth.

A cactus and succulent potting mix will be perfect for growing these frizzle sizzle albuca spiralis plants, but you can make your own mix with a ratio of 3 parts potting soil, 3 parts coarse sand, and 1 part perlite (7). To keep the soil evenly moist, ensure proper watering practices and monitor moisture levels regularly.

Fertilizer Needs

Albuca spiralis benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season to support healthy growth and blooming. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength, applying it every 2-4 weeks from spring to early fall.

Alternatively, a slow-release granular fertilizer can be applied once at the beginning of the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to salt buildup in the soil and cause damage to the plant.

Always follow the instructions on the fertilizer label and adjust the frequency and strength of fertilization based on the plant’s response and the specific conditions of its environment.

Common Pests and Diseases

Common pests for Albuca spiralis include aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs. These pests can infest the plant, causing damage to the foliage and hindering growth.

Regular inspection of the plant for signs of infestation, such as webbing, sticky residue, or distorted growth, is essential. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to control pest populations.

Additionally, Albuca spiralis is also susceptible to fungal diseases, such as root rot and powdery mildew, especially in overly moist conditions. If you notice brown tips on the leaves, it may indicate excess soil moisture or poor drainage.

Propagation

To propagate Frizzle Sizzle (Albuca spiralis), select healthy bulbs or offsets from the parent plant. Allow them to completely dry and callous for a few days to prevent rot. Plant bulbs or offsets in well-draining soil, burying them just beneath the surface.

Keep the soil lightly moist but not soggy and place the planting container in a warm, brightly lit location.

Rooting typically occurs within a few weeks. Once healthy roots have developed, continue to care for the young plants as you would mature Frizzle Sizzle, ensuring they receive adequate sunlight and water to promote healthy growth and development.

Additionally, keep an eye out for the emergence of a bloom stalk, which indicates that the albuca spiralis frizzle sizzle is ready to produce flowers.

FAQs

Does Frizzle Sizzle need direct sunlight?

Frizzle Sizzle (Albuca spiralis) prefers bright, indirect sunlight. While it can tolerate some direct sunlight, avoid exposing it to intense, direct sunlight for extended periods, as it may cause leaf burn.

Is Albuca spiralis indoor plant?

Yes, Albuca spiralis is commonly grown as an indoor plant, although it can also be grown outdoors in suitable climates.

How often do you water Albuca spiralis?

Water Albuca spiralis when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 1-2 weeks. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, and avoid overwatering, which can lead to bulb rot.

How do I make my Frizzle Sizzle curly again?

Frizzle Sizzle’s curly leaves are a natural characteristic. Ensure it receives proper care with adequate sunlight, well-draining soil, and regular watering to maintain its unique appearance.

Why is my Frizzle Sizzle not curly?

Factors such as insufficient light, improper watering, or environmental stressors can affect the curliness of Frizzle Sizzle’s leaves. Ensure it receives adequate light and proper care to encourage curly growth.

Why is my Frizzle Sizzle dying?

Several factors could cause Frizzle Sizzle to decline or die, including overwatering, underwatering, inadequate light, temperature extremes, pests, diseases, or root rot. Assess the plant’s growing conditions and adjust care accordingly to address the issue and prevent further decline.

Up Next: How to grow succulents from seeds

References

Reference List:

(1) African Plant Database. “Albuca spiralis“. Conservatoire et Jardin botaniques & South African National Biodiversity Institute. 2012. (online) http://www.ville-ge.ch/musinfo/bd/cjb/africa/details.php?langue=an&id=14769.

(2) le Roux A. “Wild Flowers of Namaqualand: A Botanical Society Guide“. Penguin Random House South Africa, 2015.

(3) World Checklist of Selected Plant Families “Albuca spiralis L.f., Suppl. Pl.: 196 (1782)“. Kew.org. (online) https://wcsp.science.kew.org/namedetail.do?name_id=294636.

(4) Afra A. “The Succulent Manual: A guide to care and repair for all climates”. Andrea Afra. 2018.

(5) “Albuca spiralis” LLIFLE – Encyclopedia of living forms. 2005. (online) http://www.llifle.com/Encyclopedia/BULBS/Family/Hyacinthaceae/29272/Albuca_spiralis.

(6) Quasem J.R.S. “The Coloured Atlas of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants of Jordan and their Uses (Volume Two)”. Cambridge Scholars Publishing. 2020. PP 39-40.

(7) “Albuca spiralis” Royal Horticultural Society. 2020. (online) https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/73923/Albuca-spiralis/Details.

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*Image by depositphotos.com/ChWeiss

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