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Slime lilies
Slime lilies
Slime lilies
Slime lilies
Slime lilies (Albuca)
Also known as : Soldier-in-the-boxes
Slime lilies are perennial herbs that grow from a bulb, although they can be cultivated as annuals. These plants produce similar-looking flowers. However, their foliage is diverse and, in some species, eye-catching. Slime lilies have a mat-forming habit with some species emitting a licorice scent if bruised.
Lifespan
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Plant Type
Succulent
info

Key Facts About Slime lilies

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Attributes of Slime lilies

Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Fall
Leaf type
Semi-evergreen
Ideal Temperature
15 - 35 ℃

Scientific Classification of Slime lilies

distribution

Distribution of Slime lilies

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Distribution Map of Slime lilies

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Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
habit
care detail

How to Grow and Care for Slime lilies

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how to grow and care
Slime lilies is a bulbous plant genus requiring moderate care. The Basic Care Needs include bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. They prefer moderate watering levels and temperatures slightly above room temperature. Common Challenges are bulb rot, commonly caused by overwatering, and pests such as aphids. Seasonal Considerations involve reduced watering in winter while maintaining light exposure. Colder months may trigger dormancy in certain slime lilies species, during which the plants require minimal care and attention.
More Info About Caring for Slime lilies
species

Exploring the Slime lilies Plants

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8 most common species:
Albuca bracteata
Pregnant onion
Pregnant onion is a unique, easy to grow succulent houseplant. It gets its name from the babies that grow and swell from the bulbous base of the plant that resembles an onion. From the base of the pregnant onion grow long streamer-like leaves and in the spring it sends up tall spikes of greenish flowers.
Albuca humilis
Albuca humilis
Albuca humilis is a flowering plant indigenous to South Africa that grows from a bulb. While Albuca humilis is native to warm climates, it is cultivated in greenhouses in the United Kingdom for ornamental purposes. The latin name humilis means low-growing. This species was discovered by English botanist John Gilbert Baker in the late 19th century.
Albuca namaquensis
Spiral grass
Spiral grass leaves are thin and slender. They grow upwards at first, and then gradually curl and swirl into a beautiful "spring" shape. When light is insufficient, the leaves tend not to curl. Instead, they continue to grow erect, often creeping down to the ground in a cluttered way, like weeds.
Albuca concordiana
Albuca concordiana
The new leaves of the albuca concordiana grow upright at first, before twisting like springs and growing spirally, which is quite unique. Over time, the spiral leaves grow taller and taller, looking like long Rotini. The plant goes into dormancy in the heat of summer, and will not grow again until the weather gets cooler.
Albuca canadensis
Slime lily
Slime lily (Albuca canadensis) is distinguishable for its tall, solitary flower spike. It looks similar to a sentry on watch, giving the plant the name "sentry in the box." This species was originally confused with its close relative Albuca flaccid, but that plant has yellow flowers instead of white ones. This plant has significant ornamental appeal and grows successfully in containers.
Albuca spiralis
Frizzle sizzle
The plant is recognizable by its distinctive leaves, which are narrow, spiral tipped with glandular hairs. The plant bears nodding green flowers with pale yellow margins. The flowers are sweetly scented, with an aroma like that of vanilla.
Albuca flaccida
Soldier-in-the-box
Soldier-in-the-box is a sleek perennial herb, featuring slender, drooping green leaves and a striking stalk that unfurls white to pale yellow flowers. Its bell-shaped blooms, marked with green or blue streaks, may nod under the bright sun of its native rocky slopes and grasslands, showcasing an elegant simplicity that belies its resilience.
Albuca cooperi
Money-wallet
Money-wallet is characterized by its spiraling leaves and nodding, bell-shaped greenish-yellow flowers with brownish markings. Thriving in arid environments, its unusual foliage conserves water, a testament to evolutionary adaptation. The striking flowers, appearing mainly in spring, not only add ornamental charm but also ensure species propagation through pollinator attraction. Short-growing and bulbous, money-wallet makes a resilient and unique addition to xerophilous gardens.

All Species of Slime lilies

Pregnant onion
Albuca bracteata
Pregnant onion
Pregnant onion is a unique, easy to grow succulent houseplant. It gets its name from the babies that grow and swell from the bulbous base of the plant that resembles an onion. From the base of the pregnant onion grow long streamer-like leaves and in the spring it sends up tall spikes of greenish flowers.
Albuca humilis
Albuca humilis
Albuca humilis
Albuca humilis is a flowering plant indigenous to South Africa that grows from a bulb. While Albuca humilis is native to warm climates, it is cultivated in greenhouses in the United Kingdom for ornamental purposes. The latin name humilis means low-growing. This species was discovered by English botanist John Gilbert Baker in the late 19th century.
Spiral grass
Albuca namaquensis
Spiral grass
Spiral grass leaves are thin and slender. They grow upwards at first, and then gradually curl and swirl into a beautiful "spring" shape. When light is insufficient, the leaves tend not to curl. Instead, they continue to grow erect, often creeping down to the ground in a cluttered way, like weeds.
Albuca concordiana
Albuca concordiana
Albuca concordiana
The new leaves of the albuca concordiana grow upright at first, before twisting like springs and growing spirally, which is quite unique. Over time, the spiral leaves grow taller and taller, looking like long Rotini. The plant goes into dormancy in the heat of summer, and will not grow again until the weather gets cooler.
Slime lily
Albuca canadensis
Slime lily
Slime lily (Albuca canadensis) is distinguishable for its tall, solitary flower spike. It looks similar to a sentry on watch, giving the plant the name "sentry in the box." This species was originally confused with its close relative Albuca flaccid, but that plant has yellow flowers instead of white ones. This plant has significant ornamental appeal and grows successfully in containers.
Frizzle sizzle
Albuca spiralis
Frizzle sizzle
The plant is recognizable by its distinctive leaves, which are narrow, spiral tipped with glandular hairs. The plant bears nodding green flowers with pale yellow margins. The flowers are sweetly scented, with an aroma like that of vanilla.
Soldier-in-the-box
Albuca flaccida
Soldier-in-the-box
Soldier-in-the-box is a sleek perennial herb, featuring slender, drooping green leaves and a striking stalk that unfurls white to pale yellow flowers. Its bell-shaped blooms, marked with green or blue streaks, may nod under the bright sun of its native rocky slopes and grasslands, showcasing an elegant simplicity that belies its resilience.
Money-wallet
Albuca cooperi
Money-wallet
Money-wallet is characterized by its spiraling leaves and nodding, bell-shaped greenish-yellow flowers with brownish markings. Thriving in arid environments, its unusual foliage conserves water, a testament to evolutionary adaptation. The striking flowers, appearing mainly in spring, not only add ornamental charm but also ensure species propagation through pollinator attraction. Short-growing and bulbous, money-wallet makes a resilient and unique addition to xerophilous gardens.
Fibrous slime lily
Albuca setosa
Fibrous slime lily
Fibrous slime lily is a fascinating bulbous plant featuring slender, upward-reaching leaves and a striking flower stalk adorned with dense racemes of bell-shaped, cream to yellow-green flowers. Its distinct hairy fringes along the flower margins give it a 'setose' or bristly appearance, harmonizing with its dry native habitats where such adaptations may aid in moisture retention and pollinator attraction.
popular genus

More Popular Genus

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Dracaena
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Ficus
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Rubus
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Acer
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Solanum
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Rosa
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Quercus
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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About
Key Facts
Distribution
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
Slime lilies
Slime lilies
Slime lilies
Slime lilies
Slime lilies
Slime lilies
Slime lilies
Albuca
Also known as: Soldier-in-the-boxes
Slime lilies are perennial herbs that grow from a bulb, although they can be cultivated as annuals. These plants produce similar-looking flowers. However, their foliage is diverse and, in some species, eye-catching. Slime lilies have a mat-forming habit with some species emitting a licorice scent if bruised.
Lifespan
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Plant Type
Succulent
info

Key Facts About Slime lilies

feedback
Feedback
feedback

Attributes of Slime lilies

Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Fall
Leaf type
Semi-evergreen
Ideal Temperature
15 - 35 ℃

Scientific Classification of Slime lilies

distribution

Distribution of Slime lilies

feedback
Feedback
feedback

Distribution Map of Slime lilies

distribution map
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
care detail

How to Grow and Care for Slime lilies

feedback
Feedback
feedback
Slime lilies is a bulbous plant genus requiring moderate care. The Basic Care Needs include bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. They prefer moderate watering levels and temperatures slightly above room temperature. Common Challenges are bulb rot, commonly caused by overwatering, and pests such as aphids. Seasonal Considerations involve reduced watering in winter while maintaining light exposure. Colder months may trigger dormancy in certain slime lilies species, during which the plants require minimal care and attention.
More Info About Caring for Slime lilies
species

Exploring the Slime lilies Plants

feedback
Feedback
feedback
8 most common species:
Albuca bracteata
Pregnant onion
Pregnant onion is a unique, easy to grow succulent houseplant. It gets its name from the babies that grow and swell from the bulbous base of the plant that resembles an onion. From the base of the pregnant onion grow long streamer-like leaves and in the spring it sends up tall spikes of greenish flowers.
Albuca humilis
Albuca humilis
Albuca humilis is a flowering plant indigenous to South Africa that grows from a bulb. While Albuca humilis is native to warm climates, it is cultivated in greenhouses in the United Kingdom for ornamental purposes. The latin name humilis means low-growing. This species was discovered by English botanist John Gilbert Baker in the late 19th century.
Albuca namaquensis
Spiral grass
Spiral grass leaves are thin and slender. They grow upwards at first, and then gradually curl and swirl into a beautiful "spring" shape. When light is insufficient, the leaves tend not to curl. Instead, they continue to grow erect, often creeping down to the ground in a cluttered way, like weeds.
Albuca concordiana
Albuca concordiana
The new leaves of the albuca concordiana grow upright at first, before twisting like springs and growing spirally, which is quite unique. Over time, the spiral leaves grow taller and taller, looking like long Rotini. The plant goes into dormancy in the heat of summer, and will not grow again until the weather gets cooler.
Show More Species

All Species of Slime lilies

popular genus

More Popular Genus

feedback
Feedback
feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Ficus
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Rubus
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Acer
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Solanum
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Rosa
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Quercus
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
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17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
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80+ scholars in botany and gardening
ad
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