Other Flowers you like

[DirtyCoconuts]

Wow!

[Roberta]

Here's a weird one... I hardly ever fall for a non-orchid at a show, but this one grabbed my fancy. Albuca spiralis (trade name "Frizzle Sizzle") is an South African succulent (from the Cape region). I grow it in very well-drained, mostly inorganic with some cactus mix. It does need bright sun, and a cool winter. I don't dry it out particularly, doesn't seem to be a problem. After blooming, the corkscrew leaves die back but another set sprouts at about the same time. The flowers are interesting, but it's the leaves that I find so fascinating.

[WaterWitchin]

After you showed us that plant last year, I needed one badly. As DC says, it looks like a Dr Seuss tree. Yes, I still like Dr Seuss no matter what anyone else thinks.

However, after flowering last year, and new leaves coming up, it looks like it hit a flat iron instead of curling iron. Haven't had time to figure out why, so if anyone knows go ahead and tell me...

[camille1585]

Originally Posted by WaterWitchin

However, after flowering last year, and new leaves coming up, it looks like it hit a flat iron instead of curling iron. Haven't had time to figure out why, so if anyone knows go ahead and tell me...

After a quick search for information, it seems that this is linked to light: not enough light = straight leaves. If the leaves haven't all come out yet you just might be able to get the last ones to grow out curly.

[DirtyCoconuts]

it is totally Seussian and Dr. Seuss is still the BEST- having made insensitive depictions at the time (while we were at war with an asian country) and then recognizing that those "orientalizing" depictions are no longer socially acceptable today, that is Bad Ass to me.


i hope my current self is never judged by the awareness of my future self.


Also, what theordore geisel did for the United States in WWII as far as propaganda ...might have been the single most important person in the war effort as far as reach and impact.

[WaterWitchin]

Well, thanks Camille! Weird... It's hanging out with some other succulents in a south window. Guess I need to throw it upstairs under one of my high light LEDs. Ugh... Dr Seuss tree takes up orchid space. This sucker must need a LOT of light.

[camille1585]

Originally Posted by WaterWitchin

Well, thanks Camille! Weird... It's hanging out with some other succulents in a south window. Guess I need to throw it upstairs under one of my high light LEDs. Ugh... Dr Seuss tree takes up orchid space. This sucker must need a LOT of light.

The more I read about this cool looking plant the more I want one!!!
I found this site with lots of cultural info. Albuca Spiralis: A Twisty Frizzle Sizzle | Epic Gardening
In it's natural habitat in South Africa it does nearly all of it's growing in the winter. Conditions are cool, wet and bright. They like full sun, and it seems that you have to dial in watering to get spirals : too dry and they won't curl, and too wet they also won't curl...

[WaterWitchin]

Originally Posted by camille1585

The more I read about this cool looking plant the more I want one!!!
I found this site with lots of cultural info. Albuca Spiralis: A Twisty Frizzle Sizzle | Epic Gardening
In it's natural habitat in South Africa it does nearly all of it's growing in the winter. Conditions are cool, wet and bright. They like full sun, and it seems that you have to dial in watering to get spirals : too dry and they won't curl, and too wet they also won't curl...

Hmmmmm..... I'll bet I'm watering it too much. Gonna leave where it is and back off on the water. Weird, mine was dormant through the winter then started up about a month ago. It is a cool plant... you can thank Roberta for this particular enablement. I'm just another victim.

---------- Post added at 11:00 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:55 AM ----------

PS Yes, good website Camille. Pretty positive now it's too much water. Ugh.

[Roberta]

I guess I just lucked out with the climate (not all that different from the Cape area of South Africa) ... it lives on the patio with the rupiculous Laelias. Actually, winter light isn't all that bright (yard orientation has the house blocking the winter sun from the south) but guess that it gets enough, and gets plenty during the rest of the year.

[DirtyCoconuts]

i am glad you brought that one around again...i have been thinking about it myself