Asparagaceae
Climbing onion: Perfect Indoor Houseplant
Bowiea volubilis
Requires bright indirect light, well-draining soil, and careful watering, especially during the growing season. In winter, when the stems dry out, reduce watering completely.
Every 10 days
Bright indirect
10° - 30°C
30% - 60%
Categories
What is Climbing onion?
Climbing onion (Bowiea volubilis) is a medium-care plant from the Asparagaceae family. Bowiea volubilis, known as the climbing onion, is a fascinating succulent native to Southern Africa. Instead of leaves, it produces a large, above-ground green bulb from which delicate, richly branched climbing stems resembling lace emerge. It is a long-lived plant that enters a dormant period in wi...
Climbing onion grows up to 3.0m, spread of 60cm, watering every 10 days, 10°C â 30°C, 30â60% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 20 days.
How to Care for Climbing onion?
TLDR: Climbing onion needs Bright indirect, watering every 10 days, and temperatures between 10-30°C with 30-60% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Climbing onion?
Water only when the substrate is almost completely dry. Never let the bulb sit in water, as this can lead to rot.
How Much Light Does Climbing onion Need?
Place it in a location with bright, diffused light. Direct midday sun can scorch the surface of the bulb.
What Is the Best Soil for Climbing onion?
Use a cactus and succulent mix with added perlite or pumice for extra drainage.
What Pot Should You Use for Climbing onion?
A shallow terracotta pot with drainage holes, allowing the bulb to sit on the surface of the substrate.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 30 days
Rotate
Every 14 days
Repot
Every 730 days
What Is Climbing onion and Where Does It Come From?
Bowiea volubilis, known as the climbing onion, is a fascinating succulent native to Southern Africa. Instead of leaves, it produces a large, above-ground green bulb from which delicate, richly branched climbing stems resembling lace emerge. It is a long-lived plant that enters a dormant period in winter, during which its aerial parts die back.
How to Propagate Climbing onion?
Separation of offsets
- Allow wounds to dry for 1-2 days before planting.
- Wear gloves during handling due to toxicity.
- 1 Identification
Wait until small offsets form at the base of the mother bulb.
- 2 Separation
Carefully separate them by hand or with a clean knife during repotting.
- 3 Planting
Plant the new bulbs in sandy substrate so that half of the bulb protrudes above the surface.
Materials needed:
Seed sowing
- Seeds must be fresh for best germination.
- 1 Preparation
Sow seeds on the surface of moist, fine succulent substrate.
- 2 Germination
Keep warm and covered to ensure humidity until the first shoots appear.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Climbing onion Grow?
TLDR: Climbing onion can reach up to 3.0m tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
3.0m
Spread
60cm
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Deciduous
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Medicinal Uses
- Traditional African medicine (only under expert supervision, the plant is highly toxic)
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
Meaning & Symbolism
In some cultures, it is considered a symbol of home protection.
Compare with similar plants
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Fieldcap | Medium | Low light | 2d | â ïļ |
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | â ïļ |
| Muriel's Bamboo | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | â |
| Bougainvillea | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | â ïļ |
