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Onion plant natans

Crinum natans

Also known as Floating crinum, Crinum aquatica

FreshwaterBulb / tuberBulb offsets

Onion plant natans (Crinum natans)
Zaire at de.wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0

Care at a glance

Light
Medium light
CO2
No CO₂ needed
Temperature
72–82°F
22–28°C
Max height
39.4 in
100 cm
Growth rate
Slow
Placement
Background
Type
Bulb / tuber
pH
5.5–8.0
Hardness
4–18 dGH
Spread
11.8 in (30 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Root + water column
Growth region
Submersed
Difficulty
Easy
Family
Amaryllidaceae
Origin
Tropical West and Central Africa

Overview

Onion plant natans is a tough, undemanding bulb plant for the background of larger tanks. It is easy to keep and suits a low-tech setup.

Did you know

Onion plant natans is a cousin of the garden onion and grows from a real bulb. A happy plant will occasionally push a stalk to the surface and open a scented white flower like a pond lily.

Caring for onion plant natans

Plant onion plant natans so the top half of the bulb stays above the substrate and open to the water. Burying the whole bulb causes rot. Once established it resents being moved, so choose its spot in the background with care.

It wants medium light and no CO2. Good flow and a nutrient-rich root zone keep the long leaves healthy. It also takes food from the water, so root tabs plus a liquid fertilizer cover it. Keep it at 72 to 82°F (22 to 28°C).

Growth is slow, often just a few new leaves a month, though the plant can reach about 39 in (100 cm). The bulb forms offsets that can be separated and planted on their own.

Good to know

Onion plant natans is Crinum natans, a bulbous member of the Amaryllidaceae, the amaryllis family. Its dark green leaves are strap-shaped and strongly undulate, up to about 1.4 m long and 2 to 5 cm wide. It is also sold as floating crinum.

In the wild

Onion plant natans is widespread across tropical West and Central Africa. It grows fully submersed in rivers and streams and reaches into the brackish tidal zone near the coast. Its long, wavy leaves trail with the current.

Common questions

Does onion plant natans need to be planted in the substrate?

Yes, but only partly. Push the roots into the substrate and leave at least the top half of the bulb uncovered so it doesn't rot.

Does onion plant natans need CO2?

No. Onion plant natans grows well without added CO2.

How much light does onion plant natans need?

Onion plant natans wants medium light. A light sold for planted tanks covers it.

Does onion plant natans need root tabs?

They help. Onion plant natans takes nutrients through both its roots and its leaves. Root tabs near its roots and a liquid fertilizer cover both.

How do you propagate onion plant natans?

Onion plant natans propagates by bulb offsets. The bulb forms offsets, which can be separated and planted on their own.

How tall does onion plant natans grow?

Onion plant natans grows to about 39.4 in (100 cm) tall. It grows slowly and rarely needs trimming.

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