PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial sun; tolerates coastal salt spray and dry, windy conditions
Watering
Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent bulb rot
Temperature
Hardy to 5°C; tolerates mild frost; avoid prolonged exposure to temperatures below 0°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Basal strap-shaped fleshy leaves up to 60 cm long; emerge after flowering
- Flower: Dense raceme of small star-shaped white or pale pink blooms on erect tall scape
- Bulb: Large tunicated bulb with thick fleshy scales for water and nutrient storage
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil slightly dry; water only when top 10 cm of soil is completely dry
Fertilization
Diluted balanced liquid feed once every 2 months. Use low-nitrogen feed to support bulb development rather than foliage growth
Eggshell powder top dressing：Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle 1–2 tbsp around the bulb base, avoiding direct contact with the bulb neck to prevent irritation or rotPruning
- Remove spent flower scapes after blooming to conserve bulb energy for next year's growth
- Trim yellowing leaves only after they die back naturally to avoid damaging the bulb
- Divide overcrowded bulbs in early spring; handle bulbs carefully to avoid skin irritation from sap
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; ingestion leads to vomiting, diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, weakness, and potential collapse
Humans: Contains cardiac glycosides; ingestion causes nausea, vomiting, and cardiac irregularities
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Symbolizes resilience in Mediterranean folklore; historically associated with coastal survival
Usage: Ornamental for drought-tolerant gardens; regulated extracts used in cardiac medications
