Orange Star Plant Care Tips: How to Grow Orange Star Plant

The orange star plant (Ornithogalum dubium) is a perennial flowering plant belonging to the Asparagaceae family. Also known as the star of Bethlehem and sun star plant, the orange star plant gets its name from its star-shaped, bright orange flowers. Some cultivars may have similarly shaped white flowers. Orange star plants are native to South Africa and as outdoor plants, they do best in warm climates. They typically only grow up to one or two feet tall.

Consider these orange star plant care tips before adding this plant to your landscaping or cut flower garden.

1. 1. Climate: As outdoor plants, orange stars do best in USDA hardiness zones seven to ten.
2. 2. Light: Plant orange stars in an area of your garden that receives full sun. Aim to provide indoor plants with plenty of direct sunlight as well. During the hot summer months, shade your plant from the hot afternoon sun, which can scorch the plant’s leaves.
3. 3. Soil: Plant bulbs in well-draining soil—preferably a mix of sandy soil containing peat moss or perlite.
4. 4. Water: Orange star plants do best in consistently moist soil. Water your plant at least once a week during the growing season or whenever the topsoil is dry to the touch.
5. 5. Planting time: Plant orange star bulbs in the fall for early spring blooms in hardiness zones seven to ten. In cooler climates, plant orange star plants as annuals in the late spring or early summer. You can plant and maintain indoor plants year-round.
6. 6. Potting and repotting: Orange star plants make for great potted plants to keep indoors. Use well-draining potting soil and a container with drainage holes. Keep the soil moist, but be aware that overwatering can cause root rot. Place the plant in an area that receives indirect light, so as not to scorch its beautiful green leaves. Repot your plant every two years in a slightly larger pot to encourage new growth.
7. 7. Propagation: You can propagate orange star plants via seeds or offsets. Offsets are small bulbs attached to the main orange star bulbs. Dig up the bulbs and use a sharp knife to remove offsets. Replant the main bulbs and plant the offsets in the ground or in pots. Keep the soil consistently moist but not wet as the root system establishes itself.
8. 8. Pests: Orange stars may become infested with small, winged insects called thrips. If you see small black spots on your branches, they may be thrips. Simply rinse them off with cool water. If you've got an abundance of pests, remove the infected branches altogether. To prevent infestations and keep your orange star plants pest- and disease-free, avoid overwatering your plant and make sure to regularly remove weeds.

Every part of the orange star plant is toxic and can cause adverse reactions if ingested. Keep your plants away from small children and pets.

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