Allium acuminatum aka Hooker's Onion

Taxonomy ID: 4208

Allium acuminatum, commonly known as the tapertip onion or Hooker's onion, is a bulbous perennial plant native to North America. It features short, green basal leaves that wither away during flowering time. In late spring to early summer, sturdy stems measuring 25-30cm in length bear small, white, star-shaped flowers. While Hooker's Onion is a super rare houseplant, it requires regular watering and thrives best in long-lasting, direct light, preferably within 1 foot of a window. It prefers well-draining soil and doesn't usually require additional fertilizers if repotted whenever it doubles in size.

Common names

Hooker's Onion, Tapertip Onion, Taper Tip Onion

More information about Hooker's Onion

What is the growth pattern and size of Hooker's Onion?

New growth will sprout from the top of the Hooker's Onion as it grows vertically.

What is the region of origin of Hooker's Onion

Hooker's Onion’s native range is the Northern Hemisphere, South America, and Africa.

What are the water needs for Hooker's Onion

Hooker's Onion should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

What is the right soil for Hooker's Onion

Hooker's Onion loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

What is the sunlight requirement for Hooker's Onion

Hooker's Onion requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Tapertip Onion is always in the right place to thrive.

What's the right humidity for Hooker's Onion

No extra humidity is necessary for the Hooker's Onion. Absorption of water by plants is primarily done through their roots, and soil watering is the most effective method to provide humidity to your plants.

How to fertilize Hooker's Onion

Repotting the Hooker's Onion should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Is Hooker's Onion toxic to humans/pets?

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

More info:
Wikipedia