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by Anne
(London)

is-this-a-sansevieria-21555600
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The person I bought is from said it is a member of the Lily family, but I took pictures of it to Kew Gardens and they suggested it could be a Sansevieria. Is it, and how do I care for it?

Drought Smart Plants reply:

Hi Anne – this indeed appears to be a member of the Lily family, but it’s not a Sanseveria.

When I first saw it I thought it might Ledebouria socialis, or Scilla violacea, also known as Leopard Squill.

Looking closer, I don’t believe it is, based on the way the leaves are attached to the stem. That bloom is quite distinctive, so it may be the identifying factor if you can locate pictures of that. Love the stripey leaves – even if you never find out the name, I hope it does well for you.

Look on this page for a picture showing a fabulous combination planter with some of the Ledebouria in it: What’s in this gorgeous succulent planter – I want one!.

Happy Drought Tolerant Gardening!
Jacki

Comments for Is this a Sansevieria?

Jan 02, 2018

Silver Squill
by: Ken King

I have had these for over 30 years and never knew what to call them. It is indeed a silver squill, a member of the hyacinth family from eastern South Africa. It is not technically a succulent but can withstand drought like a succulent. I am told that it is poisonous so don’t let the cat gnaw at it.


Jun 20, 2017

Grow Sansevierias
by: Joe

Even if you don’t have a Sansevieria, they are worth growing.
Even people with brown thumbs can grow Sansevierias. There are dozens of varieties to choose from. Short. Tall. Wide. Narrow. I put my plants outdoors on the porch in summer and they are happy as can be. In the fall I bring them in and mostly don’t water them. They sit dormant in my living room window.
Thanks for the article. It makes me appreciate my plants all over again.
Joe
https://www.opuntiads.com/


Sep 25, 2012

ID
by: Todd

Almost definately a Ledobouria socialis.