Autumn Squill Plant Care
Prospero autumnale (L.) Speta
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Prospero autumnale, the autumn squill, an autumnal flowering plant of the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Scilloideae, is found in the Mediterranean region from Portugal and Morocco east to Turkey and the Caucasus, plus Great Britain. Despite being classified as a single species, it is actually a cryptic species complex, with a variety of cytotypes having been discovered which are phenotypically indistinguishable from each other.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Autumn Squill?
Water Autumn Squill every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–75°F (18–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Autumn Squill Native To?
What Is the Autumn Squill?
Autumn Squill (Prospero autumnale) belongs to the Asparagaceae family within the Prospero genus. Autumn Squill is native to the Mediterranean region from Portugal and Morocco east to Turkey and the Caucasus, plus Great Britain.
Autumn Squill displays a clumping perennial herb growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Autumn Squill produces small white or pink bell-shaped flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Autumn Squill?
Prospero autumnale 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 Autumn Squill Need?
Autumn Squill thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Autumn Squill in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Autumn Squill Prefer?
Prospero autumnale grows best at temperatures of 65–75°F. Autumn Squill prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
65–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Autumn Squill?
Well-draining sandy soil with added peat moss and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Autumn Squill to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Autumn Squill?
Feed Autumn Squill 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 Autumn Squill?
Repot every 1-2 years in 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 Autumn Squill?
Autumn Squill can be propagated through division, offsets, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to prospero hierapytnense plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Autumn Squill Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Autumn Squill, 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 Autumn Squill?
Autumn 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 Autumn Squill Need?
Autumn Squill grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Autumn Squill is native to the Mediterranean region from Portugal and Morocco east to Turkey and the Caucasus, plus Great Britain. In cooler regions, grow Autumn Squill as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Autumn 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 Prospero genus — compare its care with other Prospero species on PlantoScan.
Prospero is part of the Asparagaceae plant family — browse all Asparagaceae genera and species.
Autumn Squill thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Prospero Species
Other Prospero species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Prospero autumnale (L.) Speta, family Asparagaceae (first published in Veröff. Int. Clusius-Forschungsges. Güssing 5: 4 (1982)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Autumn Squill, 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.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, 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.
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