Albuca spiralis 'Frizzle Sizzle' is a captivating and unusual bulbous plant, best known for its thick, bright green, spiralling leaves that emerge in tight corkscrews from autumn through spring. This eye-catching form is not just a novelty—it's the result of a carefully planned breeding program by Dutch horticulturist Gerardus Adrianus Maria Zuidgeest, who selected the original specimen in 2007 from a self-pollinated Albuca spiralis. The cultivar is patented (PP22954P2), and is now beloved by collectors worldwide for its sculptural foliage and seasonal charm.
Growing from a bulb that can mature to 8 cm in diameter, Albuca spiralis 'Frizzle Sizzle' is a winter-active species that thrives with a clearly defined seasonal rhythm. In late autumn, it produces upright flower spikes bearing clusters of pendulous green flowers, sometimes with yellow highlights, which are lightly fragrant and bloom for 2 to 3 months. These emerge well above the foliage, making a striking contrast to the curly leaves below.
Native to South Africa, this species prefers full sun or very bright light to maintain its compact, tightly curled growth habit. Without adequate light, the leaves may elongate or lose their signature spiral. It's ideally suited to pots, rockeries, or well-drained garden beds in frost-free areas—typically suitable for Australian zones 10 and up. In cooler climates, it can be grown in containers and brought under cover during frost periods.
During the cooler months, water regularly and feed with a balanced fertiliser. Come early summer, allow the plant to enter dormancy by withholding water, only giving the occasional light drink to prevent bulb shrivelling. The foliage will yellow and die back naturally. Resume watering and growth in early autumn. Repotting is best done in late summer before new growth begins.
With its intriguing structure and seasonal personality, Albuca spiralis 'Frizzle Sizzle' makes a fascinating addition to any succulent or bulb collection.
Albuca 'Frizzle Sizzle' plants for sale shown in 90mm pot. You will receive same or similar plants as those shown in images 1 to 7. Colours will vary depending on time of year and growing conditions.
First time customers... Please read our Shipping Guide, in top or bottom menu, before placing your order.
Please Note:
- All plants are sent bare rooted with no pots and soil, or minimum soil only.
- Due to the drying process necessary for sending plants through the mail, plants may look slightly different than images shown on our website
- Some plants, may look wrinkled when they arrive, may be somewhat limp, or soft to the touch. This is normal as they have been dried out for for a number of days before shipping to avoid rotting in the mail.
- Succulents are very hardy plants and they will recover quickly, providing you unpack them as soon as you receive them follow some simple care instructions you will find with your order.
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