Chilean onion
tristagma uniflorum
Also known as: ["Chilean onion","One-flowered Tristagma"]
Overview
A bulbous perennial plant native to Chile, known for its single, star-shaped flower atop a leafless stem.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Genus: | Tristagma |
| Botanical Name: | Tristagma uniflorum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: border plantings or rock gardens in temperate climates
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–25°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–10"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent bulb rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter; a mix of potting soil, perlite, and sand works well in containers.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; remove yellowing foliage in late summer or fall.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; only remove dead or spent parts.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate full sun in cooler climates but prefers partial shade in hot regions; adjust light exposure gradually to avoid scorching.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants to intense sunlight slowly over several weeks; protect from harsh afternoon sun in summer; move indoor plants to a brighter location in spring as light levels increase.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Avoid direct midday sun; rotate the pot weekly for even growth; provide dappled shade in hot climates.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; allow the soil to dry out partially between waterings; avoid overwatering, especially during dormancy.
Soil
well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter for better structure.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (50–75°F or 10–24°C); thrives in spring and early summer; tolerates mild frosts but avoid prolonged freezing.
Protect from frost; avoid placing near heat sources; maintain moderate temperatures for optimal growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; stop feeding when leaves yellow naturally in late summer; use a low-nitrogen formula to avoid excessive foliage growth.
Propagation
Methods
Division of bulbs; separate offsets from the mother bulb after flowering when the foliage begins to die back.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Carefully dig up the bulb clump.
- Separate small offsets with a sharp, clean knife.
- Replant offsets at the same depth as the parent bulb.
- Water lightly.
Best Time: Late summer or early fall, after the plant has finished flowering and the foliage has yellowed.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions with indirect light; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand; can also be planted directly in the garden bed.
Hormone
Not necessary for bulb division.
Timeline
Offsets will establish roots within a few weeks and can be planted out the following spring; mature flowering may take 1–2 years.
Tools Needed
Garden trowel, sharp knife, clean potting mix.
Quick Tips
Divide bulbs every 3–4 years to prevent overcrowding; plant offsets at least 3 inches apart; water sparingly until new growth appears.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip off flower stalks at the base after blooming; cut yellowed leaves back to the bulb level in fall.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning required; focus on removing spent flower stalks and dead foliage to maintain tidiness and redirect energy to bulb development.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
Checklist
Remove spent flowers; cut back dead foliage; clean tools after use.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late summer or early fall, after the plant has finished flowering and entered dormancy.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter; ensure the new pot has drainage holes.
Method
Carefully lift the bulb; remove old, dead roots and any offsets for propagation; plant the bulb in fresh, well-draining soil at the same depth as before; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the bulb becomes overcrowded; repotting is best done in late summer or early fall after the foliage has died back.
Checklist
Use fresh soil; check for offsets; plant at the same depth; ensure good drainage.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure proper drainage; reduce watering in dormancy.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, targeting the root zone; ensure water penetrates deeply to reach the roots; allow excess water to drain away to prevent waterlogging; water in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 7–10 days during active growth in spring and early summer; reduce watering significantly in late summer and fall as the plant enters dormancy; water sparingly in winter, only if the soil is completely dry.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; ensure the top few inches of soil are loose and aerated.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf burn in excessive heat; stunted growth or bud drop in cold stress; wilting or mushy bulbs in freezing conditions.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow metabolic processes, causing growth cessation; prolonged cold can damage bulb tissues, leading to rot or death.
Solution: Move potted plants indoors or to a sheltered location before frost; mulch heavily around bulbs in-ground to insulate; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can scorch foliage, cause premature flowering, and stress the plant, leading to reduced vigor and bulb development.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity around the plant; water deeply but infrequently to keep roots cool; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; fertilize during active growth only; avoid contact with bulb or roots.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; fertilize every 4–6 weeks during active growth in spring and early summer; avoid fertilizing in late summer and fall as the plant prepares for dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicSimilar to dogs, ingestion of the bulbs by cats can cause mild gastrointestinal upset. The plant is not considered highly toxic, but caution is advised.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicThe bulbs of Tristagma uniflorum contain compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal irritation in dogs. While not highly toxic, ingestion may lead to discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicTristagma uniflorum is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ingestion of the bulbs may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals due to their high starch content.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Tristagma uniflorum toxic to pets?
A: It is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: How often should I water Tristagma uniflorum?
A: Water moderately during the growing season, reducing water in dormancy.
Q: Does Tristagma uniflorum attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees and butterflies with its flowers.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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