Asparagaceae
Sea Squill: Full Sun Plant
Drimia maritima
A tough, drought-tolerant geophyte for hot, sunny, sharply drained spots. It follows a Mediterranean rhythm: leaves in the cool season, dormancy in summer, flowers in autumn. Keep it dry and never let the bulb sit in wet soil. Handle with care - it is very toxic to people and pets.
Every 21 days
Direct sun
5° - 35°C
20% - 50%
Categories
What is Sea Squill?
Sea Squill (Drimia maritima) is a medium-care plant from the Asparagaceae family. Sea Squill (Drimia maritima) is a large Mediterranean bulb that survives hot, dry summers dormant underground. In autumn it sends up a dramatic spike, up to 2 m tall, packed with small white star-shaped flowers, before a rosette of broad green leaves appears through winter and spring. The huge bulb...
Sea Squill grows up to 2.0m, spread of 40cm, watering every 21 days, 5°C – 35°C, 20–50% humidity. It is not suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs.
How to Care for Sea Squill?
TLDR: Sea Squill needs Direct sun, watering every 21 days, and temperatures between 5-35°C with 20-50% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Sea Squill?
Water sparingly, only during the cool growing season when leaves are present, letting the soil dry almost completely between waterings. Keep it completely dry through summer dormancy; established plants often need no supplemental water at all.
How Much Light Does Sea Squill Need?
Plant in full, direct sun - it will not thrive in shade. A hot, open position gives the strongest flower spike.
What Is the Best Soil for Sea Squill?
Use very sharply drained, sandy or gritty soil; standing moisture rots the bulb. A near-neutral to alkaline pH (6.0-8.0) is ideal.
What Pot Should You Use for Sea Squill?
Use a deep, wide clay pot with plenty of drainage; set the large bulb with its neck at or above the surface. Repot rarely, only when crowded.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 14 days
Misting
Every 3 days
Rotate
Every 7 days
Repot
Every 1095 days
What Is Sea Squill and Where Does It Come From?
Sea Squill (Drimia maritima) is a large Mediterranean bulb that survives hot, dry summers dormant underground. In autumn it sends up a dramatic spike, up to 2 m tall, packed with small white star-shaped flowers, before a rosette of broad green leaves appears through winter and spring. The huge bulb can weigh around a kilogram. All parts are highly poisonous - the source of the rodenticide scilliroside.
How to Propagate Sea Squill?
Bulb Offsets
- Lift during dormancy and detach daughter bulbs.
- Wear gloves - the sap is highly toxic and irritating.
- 1 Lift
Dig the clump in summer dormancy.
- 2 Separate
Detach offset bulbs from the parent.
- 3 Replant
Set bulbs in gritty soil with the neck exposed.
Materials needed:
Seed
- Slow: plants take about 6 years to reach flowering size.
- 1 Sow
Sow fresh seed thinly on a sandy mix in autumn.
- 2 Germinate
Keep cool and lightly moist.
- 3 Grow on
Grow seedlings dry through their first summer dormancy.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Sea Squill Grow?
TLDR: Sea Squill can reach up to 2.0m tall with Slow growth rate.
Max height
2.0m
Spread
40cm
Growth rate
Slow
Foliage
Deciduous
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Medicinal Uses
- Historic medicinal use as a cardiac stimulant and expectorant (toxic - not for self-use)
- Source of the rodenticide red squill (scilliroside)
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Sea Squill?
TLDR: Sea Squill is susceptible to 4 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Overwatering
Overwatering occurs when plants receive too much water, depriving roots of oxygen and causing root rot. This environmental stress is one of the most common causes of houseplant death, as waterlogged soil prevents roots from breathing and functioning properly.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects covered with a white, waxy, cottony material. They are common pests of houseplants and outdoor plants in mild climates. These sap-sucking insects feed on plant tissue, causing damage, stunted growth, and can lead to plant death if left untreated. They produce sticky honeydew which attracts sooty mold.
Fungus Gnats
Fungus gnats are small, gray-to-black mosquito-like insects (1/8 to 1/10 inches long) commonly found in indoor plants. Adult gnats are mostly a nuisance, but their larvae feed on plant roots and organic matter in soil, potentially causing serious damage to young or vulnerable plants. The larvae are translucent white with distinctive black heads and can leave slime trails on the soil surface in heavy infestations.
Meaning & Symbolism
A Mediterranean emblem of protection and renewal, historically planted at doorways and marking the seasons.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Fieldcap | Medium | Low light | 2d | ⚠️ |
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ⚠️ |
| Muriel's Bamboo | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ✓ |
| Bougainvillea | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | ⚠️ |
