The term "African Onion Plant" can refer to several different plants, each with unique characteristics and care requirements. This article will cover the care of two popular aquatic species, Crinum natans and Crinum calamistratum, as well as the terrestrial climbing onion, Bowiea volubilis.
Crinum natans
Crinum natans is a visually striking aquatic plant with long, ribbon-like leaves that sway elegantly in the current. It is native to tropical regions of Africa, where it inhabits slow-moving rivers, lakes, and marshes.
Aquarium Placement and Lighting
Crinum natans is best placed in the background of large aquariums due to its long, ribbon-like leaves. In deep or tall tanks, it can serve as a dramatic focal point when planted centrally. This plant prefers bright lighting for optimal health and coloration. While it can survive under medium light, inadequate lighting results in slower growth and paler leaves.
Water Parameters and Growth
Though tolerant of a wide range of water parameters, Crinum natans grows slowly and may take several weeks to fully establish. For best results, provide stable conditions, nutrient-rich substrate, and low to moderate water flow. Though it grows slowly, patience is rewarded with stunning foliage, occasional flower stalks, and a commanding presence in the tank. While fully aquatic in aquarium setups, its bulb in the wild can handle temporary drops in water level, making it a hardy species in nature.
Propagation
This species propagates through bulb offshoots. As it matures, Crinum natans produces smaller daughter bulbs at the base of the mother plant. Once they develop roots, these can be carefully separated and replanted.
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Crinum calamistratum
African Onion Plant, also known as Crinum calamistratum, is a unique and beautiful aquatic plant that is native to West Africa. It is characterized by its long, thin, twisted leaves that resemble the strands of an onion.
Crinum calamistratum is a relatively low-maintenance plant that can be grown in both aquariums and ponds. It is a slow-growing plant that prefers moderate to high lighting and nutrient-rich substrate. It is tolerant of a wide range of water conditions, although it prefers slightly acidic water with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Crinum calamistratum can grow up to 2 feet in height, making it an excellent choice for larger aquariums and ponds. Overall, Crinum calamistratum is an attractive and unique plant that can add a touch of elegance to any aquarium or pond. Its ease of care and adaptability make it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced aquarists.
When planting Crinum bulbs, it's important not to fully submerge the bulb in the substrate, rather just the roots. Root tabs will be beneficial, especially for heavy root feeders like tiger lotus, so make sure to stick one close by. Those roots can get pretty long too. As for planting, I've found with most bulbs it's best not to bury them, just leave them on the substrate.
Bowiea volubilis (Climbing Onion)
BOWIEA VOULUBILIS "Climbing Onion" Information, Description & More!
Bowiea volubilis, also known as the climbing sea onion, is a succulent native to Africa. Despite its name, it is not related to onions or other alliums but is more closely aligned with lilies. It is not an edible plant and can be described as an interesting, but not as pretty, specimen of flora. The plant grows from a bulb which is often outside of the soil. Growing climbing onion as a houseplant will amaze visitors and give all who see it something to ponder.
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Details about Bowiea Sea Onion
Bowiea is the genus for the climbing onion plant. These plants are native to Africa and indigenous where soil is poor, moisture is minimal and heat is severe. They grow well in most home interiors provided there is not excessive humidity. The plant itself is a curiosity, with its surface growing bulb and green starry flowers. Climbing sea onions (Bowiea volubilis) grow out of a bulb. The plant has no obvious leaves because the onion-like bulb is comprised of compressed leaf structures. As with any bulb, the onion houses the embryo and holds carbohydrates for continued plant growth. Climbing onion plants may grow up to 8 inches (20 cm.) across in their native habitat but usually only achieve 4 inches (10 cm.) in captivity. They produce offsets or smaller bulbs as the plant matures, which can be divided away from the parent to produce new plants. Slender stems sprout from the bulbs and branch out into feathery flower stalks. Numerous tiny 6 pointed starry white to green blooms appear along the stems.
Planting and Soil
The best medium for growing climbing sea onion is a gritty, well-draining soil mixture. If you wish to make your own mixture, combine half potting soil and half sand. Choose a pot with drainage holes, as excess moisture can make the bulb rot. Climbing sea onions like to be in a crowded pot, so select one that's just barely larger than the bulb. Place the container in full, but sheltered, sun or partial shade. Excess heat will cause the bulb to callus over and become dormant, while consistent even warmth and moderate moisture will allow the plant to grow all year. Divide the offsets when they are half the size of the parent plant and pot them up in the same soil mixture.
Climbing Onion Care
Overwatering is a major concern with this plant. Best growth is achieved with moderate and consistent moisture, but never let the plant sit in water and allow the soil to dry out between watering. Stop watering completely when the stalks dry out after blooming in late summer. At this point, you can cut off the spent stems when they begin to dry out and brown. Resume watering when the bulb re-sprouts, generally in fall. You can move the plant to a sheltered area outside in summer as long as the plant is kept above 50 F. (10 C.). Supplemental feeding is not a necessary part of climbing onion care. Provide the airy green stems with a support structure or simply allow them to tangle around themselves.
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