Please note this species is dormant in summer and may not have leaves if purchased during the warmer months of the year.
Where it grows
Albuca namaquensis is indigenous to South Africa, specifically to the Northern Cape province. It is primarily present in the Namaqualand region.
Special features
This geophyte has an intriguing leaf shape that makes the plant highly sought after. Instead of being straight, the leaf tips twirl around themselves into a corkscrew shape. The more sun the plant receives, the more pronounced the corkscrew effect. Albuca namaquensis has ‘hairy’ leaves, which sets it apart from the more common Albuca spiralis.
The bulbs of Albuca namaquensis only produce leaves in winter, and are dormant during summer. The bulbs produce offsets by division, but very slowly.
Care Guide
Give these bulbs plenty of light during the growing season. Generally, 40% shade cloth should be sufficient, and they can be adjusted to full morning sun. A mix of coco peat with some gritty components is ideal, as the bulbs are quite sensitive to overwatering. It is very important to only water these plants in autumn and winter, as they are dormant in summer. During dormancy, they are extremely prone to rotting if watered.
Growing season
Autumn and winter.
Propagation
Offsets and seeds.