This rather curious plant is a South African native usually grown as a houseplant. Some sources maintain the Pregnant Onion can also be grown outside, naming Southern California as a good example for growing outdoors.
Once the bulb reaches a certain size it begins to produce bulbils that grow off the main bulb, hence the "pregnant" part of its common name. The bulb grows above ground with only its roots anchored underground in its native habitat. The bulb can grow to around 5 inches. When it is grown as a houseplant, the top half is left free of soil. Seldom needs re-potting.The long strap-like leaves can attain a yard in length. Periodically, a flower stalk is produced, It can reach 60 inches and produce multiple (up to a hundred) small green-striped, white fragrant flowers that form a spike on the stalk.