How to Grow and Care for Climbing onion

Climbing onion, also known as Sea onion, Zulu potato, Climbing sea onion

Climbing onion is a unique succulent that thrives with minimal care, making it easy to maintain. It requires a well-draining soil mix to prevent root rot and sparse watering, particularly during its dormant winter phase. Ensure bright indirect light to support its growth. Special care includes reducing watering frequency in the winter and repotting only when necessary, as climbing onion prefers being root-bound.

Watering schedule: Every 2-3 weeks

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

In This Article

Planting and Growing Climbing onion

Toughness	Medium
Care Level	High
Care Difficulty	Easy
Lifespan	Perennial
Watering Schedule	Every 2-3 weeks
Sunlight Requirements	Full sun
Soil Type	Succulent & Cactus Soil
Soil pH	6-7.5
Planting Time	Late summer, Fall
Hardiness Zones	9-11

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Climbing onion features a distinctive bulb with overlapping green scales, forming a spherical structure that can extend up to 8 inches (20 cm) above the soil. It exhibits twining, branched stems that are leafless, green, and may reach varying lengths, with the stems' side-branches tending to detach. The plant remains dormant in winter as the outer scales desiccate to a papery texture. Come springtime, climbing onion produces inconspicuous greenish-white blooms amid the leafless stems.