Allium nigrum aka Broad Leaved Leek

Taxonomy

Allium nigrum, also known as black garlic, broad-leaved leek, or broadleaf garlic, is a bulbous perennial plant native to Turkey, Cyprus, Syria, Lebanon, and Israel. It is a Middle Eastern species of wild onion that stands about 40cm or more tall. The plant features lance-shaped, grey-green basal leaves that can grow up to 50cm long. In early summer, it produces open, cup-shaped pale lilac-pink flowers arranged in rounded clusters with a flattened top, reaching up to 7cm across. Unlike most other species in its group, Allium nigrum does not possess the typical onion or garlic scent. Although it is cultivated as an ornamental plant in various regions, it has also become naturalized in parts of the United States, particularly in Washington and Oregon. As a houseplant, black garlic requires regular watering and thrives best in long-lasting, direct light. It is recommended to keep the plant within 1 foot of a window. Well-draining soil is preferable for this species, and fertilizers are usually unnecessary if the plant is consistently repotted when it doubles in size.

Common names

Broad Leaved Leek, Black Garlic, Broadleaf Garlic

How to care for Broad Leaved Leek

Water

Broad Leaved Leek should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Broad Leaved Leek 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.

Lighting

Broad Leaved Leek thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Broadleaf Garlic.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Humidity

The Broad Leaved Leek does not demand additional humidity levels. Water is mostly absorbed by the roots of plants, rather than their leaves, and the best way to provide humidity to your plants is through watering the soil.

Fertilizer

Once the Broad Leaved Leek has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Broad Leaved Leek’s native range is the Northern Hemisphere, South America, and Africa.


More info:
Wikipedia