ornithogalum longibracteatum

the native to south africa ornithogalum longibracteatum(syn. o. caudatum) is commonly known as pregnant onion because its bulb is producing a lot of babies. other names: false sea onion, german onion.

ornithogalum caudatum

ornithogalum longibracteatum care

the pregnant onion grows best if located bright and sunny the year round. during the warm summer days it should not be placed directly behind the window, as here, the heat accumulates easily. from spring to fall it can be placed in the garden. but make sure that rainwater can easily run out of the pot. when the temperatures begin to drop permanently below 10 °c/50 °f, give it back into the house.

a regular cactus mix can be used. to avoid rotting, the bulb should only sit on the substrate.

if in bloom and grow (spring-summer) ornithogalum longibracteatum can be deep watered. what’s flowing out of the pots hole has to be removed after a few minutes. sitting in water can cause rott. allow to nearly dry before watering next.

a half diluted water soluble fertilizer can be given monthly in spring/summer. new bought or recently repotted plants don’t need to be feeded for the first six to eight weeks.

ornithogalum longibracteatum

during winter the pregnant onion can be placed at room temperature or cool (approx. 5/41-15 °c/59 °f). now feeding has to be stopped. give only as much water needed, that the leaves do not droop or start to dry up. if it is kept to dry it can go dormant.