Frizzle Sizzle, also known as Albuca spiralis, is a succulent and requires similar growing conditions to those of cacti and echeveria. It requires excellent drainage and high levels of light. Frizzle Sizzle on average grows to 8-12". If the plant does not receive enough light, the stems can lose their curl and droop over the side of the pot.
An unusual characteristic of this succulent is that it grows from a bulb. The bulb stores the water and food it needs during its active growth period in winter. While most plants are actively growing in spring through fall, the Frizzle Sizzle is resting. In its natural climate in Southern Africa, this period occurs when the when the weather is too hot and dry to sustain Frizzle Sizzle. When the weather cools in fall and winter, the plant wakes up and resumes growth.
Photo by Laura Blanchard, cropped, Flickr, copyright CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED
Growing Frizzle Sizzle
Since Frizzle Sizzle actively grows when the weather turns cool, move the plant to a cooler area for a few weeks in the fall to break dormancy. The nighttime temperatures should be between 40 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The colder temps should trigger the plant to wake up and start growing. When you see new shoots, start watering the plant about every 10 to 14 days. Allow the soil to dry out between watering sessions because this succulent is sensitive to root rot. Yellowing leaves and droopy stems indicate you may be overwatering Frizzle Sizzle.
In the spring, the plant may start to develop yellow leaves and die back. This transition is completely normal and part of the plant's natural life cycle. You can remove the yellowing leaves as they occur and snip off any brown tips. Help the plant go dormant by reducing watering to every 3 to 4 weeks, allowing the soil to completely dry out between waterings. If you are growing the plant outdoors, move it to a shadier area in the summer to avoid sunburn. Avoid fertilizing frizzle sizzle while it is dormant.
Best Soil for Frizzle Sizzle
Frizzle Sizzle plant requires ample drainage and will benefit from a potting mix formulated for succulents and cacti. You can also make your own mix by combining all-purpose potting soil with 50% pumice, perlite, or grit. Use a pot about 2 inches larger than the root ball. Avoid exposing the roots to too much soil, which can trap excess moisture and lead to root damage. Select a pot made from a porous material like terracotta, which allows air exchange through the sides of the pot.
Frizzle Sizzle Sunlight Requirements
When the plant is resting during the spring and summer, it does not require as much light. Once growth starts in the fall, the plant will higher light levels. Place the plant in a sunny window with southern exposure. You may need to supplement the light conditions with fluorescent lights or grow lights; leave them on for 12-14 hours a day. Without enough sunlight, Frizzle Sizzle can lose the curl in its leaves, which cannot be remedied until the plant regrows the following season. Overwatering can also cause the leaves to straighten and droop.
Get Frizzle Sizzle to Bloom
Areas with mild winters (zones 9-11) can grow Frizzle Sizzle outdoors year-round and are more likely to see it bloom. Frizzle Sizzle blooms in spring just before going dormant. It will send up a a tall stalk with 12-20 flowers. The yellow flowers are fragrant and smell of vanilla. Remove the flower stalk once it fades to direct energy back to the bulb.
Those who grow the plant indoors may have more difficulty getting it to bloom. To encourage blooming, ensure the plant has plenty of light over the winter, at least 6 hours of bright sunlight. Indoors, this can be the most difficult part of the plant's care routine, especially if you live in the northern hemisphere. Supplement the plant's lighting with grow lights if necessary. You should also fertilize the plant throughout the growing season to promote blooming. Apply a balanced formula, such as a 10-10-10, every month at half the strength recommended by the manufacturer.
Benefits of Growing Frizzle Sizzle
Frizzle Sizzle is practically immune to all pests and diseases. It is prone to root rot, but otherwise has few problems for plant owners to worry over. Unlike most houseplants, it looks its best over winter, providing whimsical greenery when most other plants are sluggish.
Do not let your cat nibble on the grassy foliage. This plant is poisonous to cats and should not be grown in an area accessible to cats.
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Author Jessica Mercer - Published 3-01-2024 |