Slime Lily
Albuca majorfam. Asparagaceae
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Pl. 69EF — Albuca major
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IOverview
Overview
Slime Lily, known botanically as Albuca major, is a member of the Asparagaceae family and thrives in the Cape Provinces of South Africa. This plant is valued for its edible stem, which can be enjoyed when harvested properly. Slime Lilies prefer full sun to partial shade and grow best in well-draining soil that is either light (sandy) or medium in texture. They are hardy in zones 7-10 and can reach a height of about 0.5 meters. One distinctive feature of this plant is its ability to produce slimy sap when the leaves are broken, which is a characteristic shared by many members of its genus Albuca.
Quick answers
What is Slime Lily?
Slime Lily, known botanically as Albuca major, is a member of the Asparagaceae family and thrives in the Cape Provinces of South Africa. This plant is valued for its edible stem, which can be enjoyed when harvested properly.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Slime Lily thrives in full sun and prefers a light to medium soil type, such as sandy or loamy conditions. It is adaptable to both dry and moist environments but requires well-draining soil to prevent root rot. The plant grows best in hardiness zones 7-10, making it suitable for temperate regions. For propagation, stem cuttings can be used. Harvest the edible parts from the stems as needed.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
7-10
Mature size
0.5 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Slime Lily for the first time
8steps
Start with Slime Lily to gain confidence in your gardening skills.
- 1
What you'll need
Albuca major bulbs, well-draining soil, a container or garden bed.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Albuca major in spring when the weather starts warming up.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a light, sandy mix for containers. Ensure the container has drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Plant bulbs 2-3 inches deep in the soil, spacing them about 6 inches apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Water sparingly to avoid rotting. Keep the soil slightly moist but not waterlogged.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun and allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Fertilize lightly in spring.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves to maintain a neat appearance, but avoid cutting into the bulb.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, and not providing enough sunlight are common pitfalls.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Stem
Edible uses: The Slime Lily (Albuca major) is edible and its stem can be eaten. Typically, the stems are prepared by cutting them into pieces and either cooking or drying them before use in dishes. Skip the raw consumption as it may not be palatable.
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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