Photo: Neptalí Ramírez MarcialCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Sabadilla Plant Care
Schoenocaulon officinale A.Gray
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is known for its unique spiral shape of its leaves, which give it a visually striking appearance. Originating from Mexico, Schoenocaulon officinale is highly sought after by plant collectors for its rare and unusual foliage, making it a prized addition to any collection.
Every 7–10 days
Partial to full shade
60–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Sabadilla?
Water Sabadilla every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial to full shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Sabadilla Native To?
What Is the Sabadilla?
Sabadilla (Schoenocaulon officinale) belongs to the Melanthiaceae family within the Schoenocaulon genus. Sabadilla is native to Mexico, Central America, and Venezuela. Sabadilla is also known as Cevadilla.
Sabadilla displays an upright, clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Sabadilla produces small white flowers in dense clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Sabadilla?
Schoenocaulon officinale 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 Sabadilla Need?
Sabadilla thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Sabadilla in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Partial to full shade
100–500 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Sabadilla Prefer?
Schoenocaulon officinale grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Sabadilla prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Sabadilla?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Sabadilla to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Sabadilla?
Feed Sabadilla 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 Sabadilla?
Repot every 2-3 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 Sabadilla?
Sabadilla can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to texas sabala plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Sabadilla Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
Toxic to humans and pets if ingested
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 Sabadilla?
Sabadilla is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, thrips. 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 Sabadilla Need?
Sabadilla grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Sabadilla is native to Mexico, Central America, and Venezuela. In cooler regions, grow Sabadilla as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Sabadilla 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 Schoenocaulon genus (family Melanthiaceae) — search all Schoenocaulon species in the plant lookup.
Sabadilla copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Schoenocaulon officinale A.Gray, family Melanthiaceae (first published in Pl. Hartw. : 29 (1840)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Sabadilla 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.
- Photo: Neptalí Ramírez Marcial, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9a – 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.
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