Squill
ornithogalum nutans
Also known as: ["Drooping Squill","Indian Squill"]
Overview
A perennial bulbous plant with drooping, star-shaped flowers and linear leaves.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Asparagaceae |
| Genus: | Ornithogalum |
| Botanical Name: | Ornithogalum nutans |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: indoor pot or outdoor garden bed in a sheltered spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"7–10"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining.
- Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed after flowering; remove dead foliage in fall.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun to avoid scorching; place in bright indirect light indoors; move outdoors in spring/summer with filtered light.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Rotate plant for even growth; avoid direct midday sun; adjust light in winter.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid waterlogging.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes, avoid heavy clay soils, amend with organic matter.
Temperature
Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); cooler temperatures (50–60°F) during dormancy.
Protect from frost, maintain consistent temps, adjust care for dormancy.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; avoid over-fertilizing.
Propagation
Methods
Division of bulbs or offsets.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Separate offsets from parent bulb, plant in new pots, water lightly, place in indirect light.
Best Time: After flowering, in late spring or early summer.
Environment
Warm, bright indirect light with moderate humidity.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand.
Hormone
Not required for bulb division.
Timeline
Offsets establish in 1–2 months; bulbs may flower in the next growing season.
Tools Needed
Clean knife, small pots, well-draining soil.
Quick Tips
Ensure offsets have roots, plant at same depth as parent, avoid overwatering.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip flower stalks at base; cut leaves back to soil level.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flower stalks to encourage reblooming; trim yellowing leaves to maintain appearance.
Tools
Clean scissors or pruners.
Checklist
Check for dead/damaged parts, use clean tools, dispose of clippings.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot; ensure good drainage.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if necessary, place in new pot with fresh soil, water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when bulbs become crowded.
Checklist
Check root health, use fresh soil, ensure proper drainage, water sparingly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves (cold), wilting or brown leaf tips (heat).
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause root damage or leaf discoloration.
Solution: Move to a warmer spot, insulate pots, avoid cold drafts.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, growth may stall, or flowers may wilt.
Solution: Provide shade, increase humidity, water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase, dilute fertilizer, apply to moist soil, stop in dormancy.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); cease in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicOrnithogalum nutans is toxic to cats, with the bulb, leaves, and flowers containing saponins and cardiac glycosides that can lead to severe gastrointestinal and cardiovascular issues upon ingestion.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe bulb, leaves, and flowers of Ornithogalum nutans are toxic to dogs due to the presence of saponins and cardiac glycosides. These compounds can cause severe gastrointestinal upset and potentially affect the cardiovascular system.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicOrnithogalum nutans contains toxic compounds, including saponins and cardiac glycosides, which can cause significant physiological effects when ingested. These compounds interfere with cellular processes and can lead to severe gastrointestinal and cardiovascular disturbances.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Ornithogalum nutans toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: How often should I water Ornithogalum nutans?
A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry between waterings, especially during dormancy.
Q: Does Ornithogalum nutans attract wildlife?
A: Yes, its flowers attract bees and butterflies.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asparagaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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