Expert: Will Creed - 3/5/2004

Question
I  have a house plant that I picked up at a little nursery.  It was the only one they had and they had no idea what it was (or where it came from for that matter).  It grows similar to a pony-tail palm with the bulb growing above ground but it is bright green and shiny.  The leaves are about 3/4" wide.  Every few weeks it produces "seeds" under the outermost layer of "skin" and that layer peels off. (much like an onion peel.)  Once every three or four months it sends out a long shoot from the center and blooms tiny white blooms for several weeks.  It is not particularly pretty but it is unusual.  I have tried several times to propogate the seeds, which are about the size of a small marble, but haven't had any success.  I would love to find out what this plant is and how to propogate the seeds.   Thank you!

Answer
Hi Felicia,

You won't be surprised to learn that your plant is called Pregnant onion (Ornithogalum caudatum). Pregnant onion should be placed right in a sunny window where it will get at least 4 hours of direct sun each day. However, it needs some protection from hot midday summer sun. Keep it tightly potted in a porous potting mix.

Water it thoroughly, but only when the soil has dried out about half way down in the pot. It will need more frequent waterings during hot summer weather; less frequent in the short days of winter.

Fertilize at half strength whenever it is putting out new leaves. Normal room temperatures year round are best. Watch for occasional mealybug infestations.

This plant is adept at propagating itself. Small bumps emerge on the outside of the bulbs. In time these bumps develop into bulbets that drop off into the pot and root themselves. Or you can plant them separately in their own small pots. Set the bulbets right side up on top of the soil so that the tip faces up. Water the soil once and then let it get dry before watering it again.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: wcreed@HorticulturalHelp.com

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