Single-leaf Squill Plant Care
Scilla monophyllos Link
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Scilla monophyllos, the single-leaved squill, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asparagaceae. It is native to Morocco, Portugal, and western Spain.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect to partial shade
60–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Single-leaf Squill?
Plant Single-leaf Squill in bright indirect to partial shade (USDA zones 13a) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
What Is the Single-leaf Squill?
Single-leaf Squill (Scilla monophyllos) belongs to the Asparagaceae family within the Scilla genus. Single-leaf Squill is native to Morocco, Portugal, and western Spain. Single-leaf Squill is also known as One-leaved Squill.
Single-leaf Squill displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Single-leaf Squill produces small star-shaped flowers in blue, white, or pink.
Leaf size: approximately 5 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Single-leaf Squill?
Water a young or newly planted Single-leaf Squill every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Single-leaf Squill Need?
Single-leaf Squill thrives in bright indirect to partial shade. Avoid placing Single-leaf Squill in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Single-leaf Squill Prefer?
Scilla monophyllos tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Single-leaf Squill prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Single-leaf Squill?
Well-draining sandy loam with organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Single-leaf Squill to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Single-leaf Squill?
Feed Single-leaf Squill every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.
Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Single-leaf Squill?
Choose a spot with bright indirect to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Single-leaf Squill is suited to USDA Zone 13a.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Single-leaf Squill?
Single-leaf Squill can spread to about 1 ft (0.2 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Single-leaf Squill?
Prune Single-leaf Squill while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.
How Do You Care for a Single-leaf Squill in Winter?
Single-leaf Squill is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Single-leaf Squill?
Single-leaf Squill can be propagated through offsets, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to cilician squill plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Single-leaf Squill Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
Toxic to pets, mildly toxic to humans
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 Single-leaf Squill?
Single-leaf Squill is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects. 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 Single-leaf Squill Need?
Single-leaf Squill grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Single-leaf Squill is native to Morocco, Portugal, and western Spain. In cooler regions, grow Single-leaf Squill as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Single-leaf Squill 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 Scilla genus — compare its care with other Scilla species on PlantoScan.
Scilla is part of the Asparagaceae plant family — browse all Asparagaceae genera and species.
Single-leaf Squill thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Scilla Species
Other Scilla species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Scilla monophyllos Link, family Asparagaceae (first published in J. Bot. (Schrader) 1799(2): 319 (1800)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Single-leaf Squill is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- 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.
