Slime Lily
Albuca canadensisfam. Asparagaceae
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Pl. 8140 — Albuca canadensis
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IOverview
Overview
Slime Lily, scientifically known as Albuca canadensis, is a member of the Asparagaceae family and is native to the Cape Provinces in South Africa. This plant thrives in full sun and prefers well-draining soil that is either light (sandy) or medium. It can tolerate both dry and moist conditions but performs best with moderate watering. Slime Lily reaches a height of about 0.4 meters and is known for its edible stem, making it a useful addition to gardens where space is limited. Its distinctive feature lies in the slimy texture of its leaves, which gives the plant its common name.
Quick answers
What is Slime Lily?
Slime Lily, scientifically known as Albuca canadensis, is a member of the Asparagaceae family and is native to the Cape Provinces in South Africa. This plant thrives in full sun and prefers well-draining soil that is either light (sandy) or medium.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Slime Lily thrives in full sun and prefers a light to medium soil type, making it suitable for sandy or well-draining conditions. It is hardy in zones 9-11 but can be grown as an annual in cooler climates due to its preference for dry to moist environments. For cultivation, ensure the soil remains not overly wet; allow it to dry out between waterings. The plant reaches a height of about 0.4 meters and is best propagated through stem cuttings or division. Harvest edible parts from the stems as needed.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
9-11
Mature size
0.4 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Slime Lily for the first time
7steps
Start with Slime Lily as a simple, low-maintenance addition to your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Albuca canadensis bulbs or seedlings, potting soil, containers, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the weather starts warming up.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil and containers with drainage holes. A 6-inch pot is suitable for one bulb.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Plant bulbs about 2 inches deep, spacing them 4-5 inches apart in the container.
- 5
First two weeks
Water sparingly to avoid rot. Place in a sunny spot but protect from direct midday sun.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun and water only when soil is dry. Fertilize lightly once a month during the growing season.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves to maintain plant health but avoid cutting back actively growing parts.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Stem
Edible uses: The Slime Lily, or Albuca canadensis, is edible and its stem can be consumed. Typically, the stems are prepared by slicing them before being eaten raw in salads or cooked as a vegetable. Skip the water and soil details for this section.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
1 native · 1 introduced
Distribution
1 native · 1 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 1 native· 1 introduced
Broader regions
native:Cape Provinces
introduced:Western Australia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Asparagaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Asparagaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 81400713-05b4-418e-a5b0-d8fc1eb9fcde
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