Photo: Christiaan ViljoenCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Sticky Albuca Plant Care
Albuca viscosa L.f.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's long, slender leaves are covered in sticky hairs, giving it a unique appearance. Originating from South Africa, Albuca viscosa is highly sought after by plant collectors for its rare and unusual characteristics that make it a standout addition to any collection.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Sticky Albuca?
Water Sticky Albuca every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Sticky Albuca Native To?
What Is the Sticky Albuca?
Sticky Albuca (Albuca viscosa) belongs to the Asparagaceae family within the Albuca genus. Sticky Albuca is native to Western and Northern Cape Provinces, South Africa. Sticky Albuca is also known as Gooey Albuca.
Sticky Albuca displays an upright, clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Sticky Albuca produces small, fragrant white or yellow flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 10 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Sticky Albuca?
Albuca viscosa requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Sticky Albuca Need?
Sticky Albuca thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Sticky Albuca Prefer?
Albuca viscosa grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Sticky Albuca prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Sticky Albuca?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Sticky Albuca to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Sticky Albuca?
Feed Sticky Albuca every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Sticky Albuca?
Repot every 1-2 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Sticky Albuca?
Sticky Albuca can be propagated through division of offsets, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to abyssinian albuca plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Sticky Albuca Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Sticky Albuca, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Sticky Albuca?
Sticky Albuca is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Sticky Albuca Need?
Sticky Albuca grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Sticky Albuca is native to Western and Northern Cape Provinces, South Africa. In cooler regions, grow Sticky Albuca as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Sticky Albuca is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Albuca genus — compare its care with other Albuca species on PlantoScan.
Albuca is part of the Asparagaceae plant family — browse all Asparagaceae genera and species.
Sticky Albuca thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Albuca Species
Other Albuca species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Albuca viscosa L.f., family Asparagaceae (first published in Suppl. Pl. : 196 (1782)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Sticky Albuca, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Christiaan Viljoen, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9b – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
Identify Plants Like the
Sticky Albuca Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species