Natal Onion Plant Care
Afrosciadium natalense (Sond.) P.J.D.Winter
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant features large, glossy, lance-shaped leaves with striking silver veins that originate from Natal, South Africa. Its unique foliage pattern and rare origin make it highly sought-after by plant collectors looking to add a touch of exotic beauty to their collection.
Every 7–10 days
Partial shade to full sun
60–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Natal Onion?
Water Natal Onion every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial shade to full sun. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Natal Onion Native To?
What Is the Natal Onion?
Natal Onion (Afrosciadium natalense) belongs to the Apiaceae family within the Afrosciadium genus. Natal Onion is native to the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. Natal Onion is also known as African Scallion.
Natal Onion displays a clumping herbaceous perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Natal Onion produces small clusters of white or pink flowers in umbels.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Natal Onion?
Afrosciadium natalense requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Natal Onion Need?
Natal Onion thrives in partial shade to full sun.
Light Requirement
Partial shade to full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Natal Onion Prefer?
Afrosciadium natalense grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Natal Onion prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Natal Onion?
Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Natal Onion to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Natal Onion?
Feed Natal Onion every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Natal Onion?
Repot every 1-2 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Natal Onion?
Natal Onion can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to african hosta plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Natal Onion Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Natal Onion, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Natal Onion?
Natal Onion is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Natal Onion Need?
Natal Onion grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Natal Onion is native to the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. In cooler regions, grow Natal Onion as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Natal Onion is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Afrosciadium genus — compare its care with other Afrosciadium species on PlantoScan.
Afrosciadium is part of the Apiaceae plant family — browse all Apiaceae genera and species.
Natal Onion thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Afrosciadium Species
Other Afrosciadium species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Afrosciadium natalense (Sond.) P.J.D.Winter, family Apiaceae (first published in Taxon 57: 360 (2008)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Natal Onion, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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