Propogating Onion Plant

[eXstatic]

I purchased several onion plants recently and they are growing like wildfire. The bulbs came with maybe 2 - 4 inches of leaves and withing 3 months they are now curling about the top of my 100 gallon tank. The roots, (I looked undeneath the aquarium glass), and noticed about 18 inches if not more or a "crazy" root system. They have really overtaken the sand substate, which I guess is good thing. (To quote Martha Stewart)

I just wanted to know what is the best way to progogate a fantastic thriving plant. I was told to cut down the leaves to just above the bulb for propogation. Has anyone successfully grown new bulbs?

Thanks in advance.

 

[TheZoo]

Just wanted to say that Id heard to keep the roots on an onion plant trimmed back, as they do grow very quickly and are strong - grab onto all the substrate they can get! I do this with mine, its doing very well. No ideas on propogation, though....

 

[RTR]

Crinums (they are not really onions) do produce massive root networks which will reach all corners of the tank. That is what they do, Trimming the roots will reduce the growth of the plant. Root trimming is a bonsai technique - if you do not want to reduce growth (and reproduction), leave the roots alone.

Reproduction in Crinums is by seed (they do bloom with emerse flowers) which I have not yet managed - I got seed set, but did not get sprouting, or by division from the basal plate (where the roots and bulb meet). When fat and happy, they do throw pups or offsets at the base of the plant, These can be broken off the adult gently - I wait until the pup's leaves reach the surface - by then it will have enough root and leaf to survive on its own. Alternately, just leave the pups in place - they grow fine in clumps.

I;ve never heard the cutting back of the foliage bit, but it is not necessary. When they are bigger, they will reproduce on their own without any extra stimulus..