The Star of Bethlehem plant (Ornithogalum umbellatum) is a popular choice for gardens and indoor spaces due to its distinctive appearance and straightforward care. This bulbous perennial has star-shaped white flowers, often with a green stripe on the underside of each petal, and slender, grass-like foliage. Its delicate blooms add simple beauty, making it a favored, manageable plant.
Essential Care Requirements
For outdoor cultivation, the Star of Bethlehem plant performs best in full sun (at least six hours daily), though it tolerates partial shade. Indoors, bright, indirect light is preferred. Insufficient light hinders blooming.
During active growth in spring and early summer, keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. As foliage yellows and the plant enters dormancy, reduce watering significantly. Good soil drainage is important to prevent bulb rot.
Star of Bethlehem plants prefer well-draining soil rich in organic matter. A sandy loam is ideal, and adding compost improves soil structure and nutrient availability. The plant prefers a soil pH of 6.0 to 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral).
This plant thrives in moderate temperatures, with an ideal range of 60-75°F (15-24°C) during its growing season. It is hardy outdoors in USDA Zones 4 through 9. Average household humidity levels are sufficient for indoor plants.
Fertilizing is beneficial but should be done sparingly. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength once a month during spring growth to support healthy growth and blooming. Over-fertilization, particularly with nitrogen, can reduce flowering.
Planting and Ongoing Management
When planting bulbs outdoors, the ideal time is in the fall, before the first frost, or in early spring. Bulbs should be placed 3 to 6 inches deep and spaced 3 to 6 inches apart, with the pointed end facing upwards. For container planting, select a pot with drainage holes and use a well-draining potting mix, planting bulbs about 3 inches deep.
Its narrow, grass-like foliage emerges in early spring, often with a characteristic white stripe down the center. Flowering occurs late spring to early summer (April-June), with star-shaped white blooms appearing in clusters. After flowering, by mid-summer, the foliage yellows and dies back, signaling dormancy until the following spring.
The plant can naturalize aggressively through bulb offsets and seeds. To limit unwanted spread, deadhead spent flowers before they form seeds. Regularly dividing overcrowded bulbs during their dormant period in late summer helps control their proliferation. Growing the plant in containers or using physical barriers can effectively confine its growth.
Outdoor winter care is minimal within its hardiness zones. In colder regions (USDA Zones 4-6), apply a 2-4 inch layer of dry mulch for insulation and bulb protection. Potted plants in cold climates should be moved to a sheltered, cool, dark location during dormancy, with significantly reduced watering. This three-month dormancy is important for future blooming.
Common Concerns and Safety
A lack of blooms often stems from insufficient sunlight or overcrowded bulbs. If yellowing leaves occur during active growth, it might indicate overwatering or underwatering, though yellowing is natural during dormancy.
The Star of Bethlehem plant is resistant to most pests and diseases. Slugs and snails may feed on foliage, and aphids can appear on new growth. Bulb rot can occur in overly wet or poorly draining soil.
All parts of Ornithogalum umbellatum, especially the bulbs and flowers, are poisonous if ingested by humans or animals. These compounds, known as cardenolides, can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and shortness of breath. Plant it in areas inaccessible to children and pets. Wash hands thoroughly after handling.