Pregnant Onion Plants

Identification

• The pregnant onion is a native of South Africa that grows outdoors in frost-free areas of the United States. It has a distinctive apple-green, bulb-like trunk and strappy, draping leaves.

Features

• Mature pregnant onion plants bloom from May to August with small, white fragrant flowers that sit atop 2-foot stalks. Plants form bulblets under the skin of the trunk that fall and root in surrounding soil, creating new plants.

Requirements

• The pregnant onion thrives in the same container for years as long as the potting soil is rich. The plant requires bright light, but not direct sun. Regular weekly watering is important or the pregnant onion will go dormant and lose leaves.

Warning

• Unlike its namesake, the common onion, all parts of the pregnant onion are poisonous if ingested, especially the bulb. Sensitive individuals may also contact dermatitis.