Flowering Onion

These plants need to be watered regularly and deeply, several times a week. The soil should remain moist, but care should be taken to avoid overwatering. It is important to water from the base of the plant and keep the leaves dry to reduce the risk of fungus developing. Reduce watering during the winter months.

These plants will thrive when exposed to plenty of natural light. Aim for 8-10 hours of bright, indirect sunlight per day. Flowering Onions can tolerate direct sunlight, so long as it doesn’t scorch the leaves. If it’s not possible to provide bright light in small spaces, use a grow light to supplement natural light.

Flowering Onions prefer temperatures between 50°F-80°F (10–27°C). They need to be kept away from extreme temperatures and drafts. Place your Flowering Onion in an area of your home with a consistent temperature with the proper amount of light.

Flowering Onions like moderately humid environments and will do best in conditions ranging between 40%-50% humidity. Placing the plant in an area with a higher humidity, such as a bathroom, will help keep the plant healthy. If necessary, you can increase the humidity around your plant with a humidifier.

Flowering Onions are not too picky about soil, but the best soil should be light and well draining. A potting mix made for cacti and succulents will work for these plants. A combination of regular potting soil, vermiculite, and perlite works well.

Fertilizer should be used during the growing season. A liquid fertilizer designed for blooming plants works best. Feed the plant once a month: two tablespoons of fertilizer every two gallons of water. Monitor the plant while fertilizing, as too much fertilizer can burn the roots.

Aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs can all be a problem for Flowering Onions. To help prevent infestations, keep your plant happy and look for signs of infestation. If you find pests, look for more natural methods of eliminating the problem rather than chemicals. Plant-safe insecticidal soap, essential oils, and neem oil can be effective at eliminating the pests while being much gentler on your plant.

Repot your Flowering Onion again after the flowering season subsides. It is best to repot the plant in the spring. Carefully remove it from the old pot and place it in one slightly larger with a light, well-draining potting soil mix.

Prune your Flowering Onion as it starts to die back in the fall. Make sure to cut the foliage back to the center of the plant. Additionally, you can deadhead the flowers to promote further blooming.

Mulching the soil around these plants is a great way to keep it moist and to add some fertility. In a pot, organic mulch such as straw, sawdust, or newspaper can be used. Keep the mulch away from the stem itself.

Flowering Onions can be propagated by division. After the flowering season has ended and the foliage has died back, the plant can be divided by cutting one side of the bulbs with a sharp knife. Plant each section into separate pots and water deeply.

As Flowering Onions grow, they may become top-heavy and need support. Install a small stake into the potting soil next to the stem and loosely tie the plant to the stake with string or garden ties.

Flowering Onions may go dormant over winter. When this happens, stop fertilizing and reduce watering. The plant will remain dormant until the arrival of warmer temperatures in Spring.

Flowering Onions are not toxic to pets. If ingested, it can still cause some mild stomach upset. Keep pets away from the plant to minimize the risk of ingestion.