Star of Bethlehem · Ornithogalum

Botanical name

Ornithogalum sp.

Plant family

Asparagaceae

Identification

Genus

Growth and life cycle

A bulb with strap-shaped leaves and an upright flower spike. Each typical flower has six petal-like tepals. The bulb stores what the plant needs to grow again. Ask us to confirm the exact species and variety, mature height and flowering time.

Choosing a pot

If the roots are crowded, choose a pot with drainage holes and about the same depth. Look for an inside diameter roughly 2.5-5 cm wider than your current pot. Measure your pot first.

Light

Bright, indirect light

When to water

While the leaves are green and growing, feel the potting mix just below the surface. When it starts to dry, water until the excess runs out. Empty the saucer or outer pot. Ease off as the leaves gradually dry and the bulb goes dormant.

Potting mix and drainage

Use an airy, free-draining mix and a pot with drainage holes. If it needs repotting, go roughly 2.5-5 cm wider inside, with about the same depth. That’s a fitting guide, so measure the pot you have.

Feeding

Give it time to settle in first. When it’s actively growing, you can feed it with a fertiliser for potted plants, following the label. Pause feeding while the bulb is dormant.

Pruning and tidying

Cut away the flower spike once the blooms fade. Let green leaves yellow and dry on their own. They’re still feeding the bulb.

The first few days at home

Remove the shop wrap and check the drainage holes. Start near a bright window, feel the potting mix before watering and keep the current pot as long as it drains and the roots have room.

What to watch for

Wilting while the mix is wet or a soft base calls for a check of moisture and drainage. Gradual yellowing after flowering can be part of dormancy. Feel the mix before deciding whether to water.

Placement and climate

Pick a bright spot with airflow. If you move it outdoors, start in bright shade and ease it into morning sun. Protect it from strong midday sun, hot glass and water sitting around the roots in winter.

Propagation

Some species form small daughter bulbs. You can separate them during dormancy if they’ve developed. Next season’s flowers depend on the species and growing conditions.

Around pets

Keep away from pets

Around cats

Not established

Around dogs

Keep away from pets

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