This is a great plant my grandmother gave me last year. It makes a wonderful houseplant and can even be used as an annual bedding plant. Doesn't take a freeze, so don't put it in the freezer (or outside about now). Its pretty easy to take care of and makes little baby bulbs that you can divide and spread the love with. More on the care in a bit.
I had absolutely no idea what it was as my grandma just called it an "onion" plant. It is in the Asparagaceae (that's right, asparagus) family which was pulled out of the Liliaceae family and there was another family made (whose name escapes me) that has more onion like plants in it. Go figure. Anyways.
So here you have it, lovely right? Most Ledebouria you'll run into are from Africa, a few species in Madagascar and even India, etc, etc. They are generally quite drought tolerant (which you can totally use to your advantage you lazy plant people). They like well drained soils and a lot of light. That being said, mine doesn't get a whole lot of strong light (because I have very few windows *sadface*) and it still does quite well.
Don't over water!! Before I knew what this plant was and based on where my grandmother had it placed I figured it liked a fairly shady and moist soil. Derf. I started noticing that it just did not look happy in the moist soil I had it in so I decided I needed to find out what it was. A very wonderful and enthusiastic plant person who will remain nameless was kind enough to give me the answer and save me a lot more time.
Put this in a very well drained soil and let it dry completely before watering and you got yo'self some happy bulbs. Since the re potting and more light, its been quite vigorous. I'm digging that it is doing well despite the somewhat shoddy light I have.
There are also a lot of other species of this, I'd love to get a hold of a few others. One last picture showing a bit of flower action up close.
If you see this little plant somewhere...take it home!
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