As the name suggests, the Orange Star Plant is a charming bright-orange plant that makes for a beautiful center/novelty piece. It is most popularly used to add a lively pop of color to sleek, monotonous room settings. The Orange Star’s fresh spring look and rapid propagation abilities make it an excellent houseplant. Here’s how to care for an Orange Star Plant!
What is the Scientific Name?
The scientific name of the Orange Star Plant is Ornithogalum dubium.
Other Names
- Star of Bethlehem
- Sun Star
- Ornithogalum caudatum (Latin for Pregnant Onion!)
Different Types of Orange Star plants
The Orange Star plant is a specific bulbous variety of the hyacinth family Scilloideae. Other familiar garden plants from the family include Hyacinthus (hyacinths), Hyacinthoides (bluebells), Muscari (grape hyacinths) and Scilla and Puschkinia (squills or scillas). These plants come with beautiful colorful bulbs sporting different shades of blue, yellow, orange, and other vibrant colors – this makes them an excellent choice for ornamental garden plants.
What Soil Works Best for an Orange Star Plant?
Orange Star Plants grow best in a high-quality potting mix with well-draining soil. Too much moisture in the soil can cause the plant’s bulbs to get soggy and ultimately rot away. If the soil becomes too dry, on the other hand, the flowers might wilt away, causing the plant to die.
How Much Sun Does an Orange Star Plant Need?
Orange Star Plants need at least 6 hours of sun every day. Therefore, planting them indoors is not always a good idea. If, for some reason, you wish to pot them indoors, make sure they are near a south-facing window in a region that receives ample sunlight. Lack of proper sunlight can cause the Orange Star’s leaves to turn yellow and wilt.
What Temperature Works Best for Orange Star Plants?
These plants bloom well in a warm climate with temperatures between 60°F and 80°F. They generally perform best in USDA zones 7 to 11 and are usually found in hot to temperate regions.
Orange Star Plants are sensitive to sudden changes in temperature. Therefore, you should keep a consistent temperature in your home for these plants. Also, keep this plant away from air conditioners, radiators, airy windows, etc.
Do Orange Star Plants Enjoy Humidity?
Orange Star Plants are not too fussy about humidity. They will continue to thrive as long as they are in a warm, well-drained, fertile environment. High humidity levels and poor circulation in these plants can also cause fungal issues like powdery mildew to develop.
How Often Should You Water an Orange Star Plant?
It is essential to ensure that you don’t overwater an Orange Star Plant. They are usually found in dry climates and do not respond well to wet, humid conditions. Orange Star plants require very little water in the blooming season (between winter and spring).
You should only water the top inch or so of the ground during the summer months when it is dry. Aim the water towards the center and let it seep into the roots, not the ambient soil. It is also crucial to maintain proper drainage in pots while watering.
What Size Does Orange Star Plants Grow to Typically?
These are small plants that are usually only a foot or so tall. Individual stems in the flowering cluster can reach 11 to 20 inches in height. These stems contain bulbs that produce three to eight green/yellow-green leaves.
You can expect a cluster of 12 to 20 blossoms to appear in your Orange Star Plant in the spring. These flowers can range from mild yellow to bright orange and sometimes even red.
Most Common Bugs
The most common bugs that affect Orange Star Plants are mealybugs, spidery mites, and scales. These bugs aren’t usually much of a menace and can easily be removed by hand/using organic insecticides. Keep the plants in the sun and well-cleaned (especially dusted) to avoid bug problems.
Most Common Diseases
The only noticeable (and most troublesome) disease these plants face is root rot. Overwatering can cause the bulbs of the plants to swell up, become soggy, and ultimately break down, killing the plant. If the leaves are yellow and the plant is dropping over, the plant is dying.
Can you Propagate an Orange Star Plant?
There are two primary ways to propagate an Orange Star Plant.
Offshoots
After fully blooming, Orange Star Plants grow buds or offshoots around their base. You can uproot the plant once it’s dormant during the winter and cut off the healthy buds you need. These can then be potted again to propagate your Orange Star Plant.
Seeds
Once a batch of flowers starts to wilt, you will notice seeds developing in the middle of tiny blooms. Wait for them to ripen and turn brown, after which you will collect them promptly (or they will fall back into the pot). You can then use the seeds for propagation.
Can you Repot an Orange Star Plant?
Yes, you can repot your Orange Star Plants after 24 months in the original container. Repotting helps it get nutrient-rich soil again for the next blooming period. If your plant has died away, you can cut off the healthy (not soggy) bulbs from the plant and repot them in a high-quality potting mix.
Why is My Orange Star Plant Dropping Leaves?
Waterlogging is one of the primary reasons behind an Orange Star Plant wilting away and dying. Another major reason could be extreme cold conditions that the plant doesn’t withstand. Ensure apt drainage, air-circulation, and warm temperatures to avoid/stop your Orange Star’s leaves from wilting.
Conclusion: How to take care of an Orange Star Plant
Orange star plants are beautiful garden plants that do not require much attention. Their bright orange petals (that bloom in groups of 6 or 8) make them an excellent show plant that compliments sleek, minimalist settings very well. With just a little drainage and temperature care, Orange Star Plants can prove to be a perfect addition to your home garden.
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