Tree onion (Allium proliferum)
Care, watering, light and tips for Tree onion on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Amaryllidaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Tree onion
Allium proliferum, commonly known as Egyptian Walking Onion or Tree Onion, is a perennial bulbous plant from the Amaryllidaceae family, notable for its peculiar method of reproduction. Instead of traditional flowers, it produces aerial bulbils at the top of its stalks, which, when mature, can fall and root, giving the impression that the plant 'walks'. It is ideal for low-maintenance vegetable gardens or edible landscapes where a botanical curiosity and a mild garlic flavor are desired.
Native range
Central Asia
Care tips
It requires full sun for optimal growth, although it tolerates some partial shade. Watering should be regular, keeping the substrate moist but well-drained, especially during dry periods; it is quite drought-tolerant once established. It prefers fertile, well-drained soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. A common mistake is not leaving enough space between plants, as the aerial bulbils can root and the plant tends to spread.
How to save a dying Tree onion
- Warning signs
- Soft, yellowing/browning leaves, stem base rot. Aerial bulbils wilting.
- First aid
- Check watering. If waterlogged, remove plant and dry roots. If dry, water moderately.
- What kills it
- Overwatering and poor drainage, leading to bulb rot. Also lack of direct sun.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if rot hasn't consumed the entire bulb. Act quickly, removing damaged parts.