Garden star-of-bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum)

Also known as: Nap-at-noon, Sleepydick

Garden star-of-Bethlehem, a bulbous plant known for its late spring blooms, is often grown for its ornamental appeal. However, it carries several risks:

1. **Toxicity**: The plant is poisonous to humans and animals if ingested, posing health hazards.
2. **Invasiveness**: It spreads rapidly, potentially overtaking garden spaces and outcompeting native flora, making it difficult to manage.

Due to these concerns, it's advisable to consider other, less problematic plants for your garden.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Garden star-of-bethlehem

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

10 cm to 30 cm

Spread

10 cm to 15 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

1.5 cm to 2 cm

Flower Color

White Green

Images of Garden star-of-bethlehem

Quickly Identify Garden star-of-bethlehem

Star-shaped white blooms with green stripe on petals

Flowers measure 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter

Thrives in full sun to 25% shade

Drought-tolerant in summer, needs consistent moisture when growing

Bulbs planted 5 inches (12.7 cm) deep, spaced 2-3 inches (5-7.6 cm) apart

Scientific Classification of Garden star-of-bethlehem

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Monocotyledons

Order

Asparagales

Family

Asparagus

Genus

Star-of-bethlehem

Species

Garden star-of-bethlehem

Planting and Growing of Garden star-of-bethlehem

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

4-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-70℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

Once a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Garden star-of-bethlehem?

When watering Ornithogalum umbellatum, ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Pour approximately 250 ml of water until the soil is evenly damp, allowing excess water to drain. This helps in providing enough moisture without drowning the roots.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Garden star-of-bethlehem? ›

What should I do if my Garden star-of-bethlehem is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Garden star-of-bethlehem? ›

How to save an overwatered Garden star-of-bethlehem? ›

More About Watering Techniques→

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Garden star-of-bethlehem?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun

Duration of light: 4 to 6 hours

Partial sun or filtered sunlight is ideal for the plant. Under these conditions, the plant can photosynthesize efficiently, producing lush foliage and starry white flowers, enhancing both its health and beauty.

How much sunlight does it need? ›

How do you provide ideal lighting? ›

What are the benefits of ideal lighting? ›

More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques→

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Garden star-of-bethlehem?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 70℉

What is the ideal temperature range for the growth of Ornithogalum umbellatum? The plant thrives best in a temperature range of 60°F to 70°F. This range allows the plant to photosynthesize efficiently and grow robustly. Maintaining this ideal range helps ensure the leaves remain green and healthy.

What Soil is Best for Garden star-of-bethlehem?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam, Calcareous soil

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Ornithogalum umbellatum thrives best in well-draining soil that prevents water from stagnating around its roots. This mimics its natural habitat, encouraging healthy root growth and preventing root rot. Ensure the soil has adequate nutrients to support the plant's growth. Adding organic matter or mild fertilizers can enhance the soil fertility, promoting lush foliage and robust flowers. The soil should retain enough moisture to keep the bulbs hydrated but not so much that they are waterlogged. This balance helps in maintaining healthy, vibrant blooms. More About Soil→

How to Fertilize Garden star-of-bethlehem?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

Ornithogalum umbellatum, also known as the Star of Bethlehem, doesn't need excessive fertilization. A balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer applied monthly works well. Use half the dosage recommended on the package to avoid nutrient burn, especially during the active growing season. More About Fertilizing Techniques→

How to Prune Garden star-of-bethlehem?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Begin by identifying and removing dead or yellowing leaves. This cleanup not only improves the plant's appearance but also reduces the risk of pest infestations and diseases that thrive in decaying matter. After flowering, cut back the flower stalks to the base. This step prevents the plant from wasting resources on seed production and directs its energy towards the development of stronger roots and foliage. To maintain a tidy appearance, trim back overgrown areas that could overshadow other parts of the plant. This shaping allows light and air to circulate freely, promoting a healthier growth environment. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Garden star-of-bethlehem plant?

Propagate Time: Early spring, Late spring

Allow the plant to flower and set seed. Once the seed pods are dry, collect them for planting. Ensure seeds are mature for better germination rates.

Before planting, prepare well-drained soil by incorporating organic material. This step is crucial to provide the seeds or bulbs with essential nutrients and good aeration.

Plant bulbs with the pointed end up and seeds just below the soil surface. Ensure they are adequately spaced to allow for growth. Lightly cover with soil and water gently.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot Garden star-of-bethlehem plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Ornithogalum umbellatum should be repotted when its roots outgrow the current pot, or if the soil has degraded significantly. Signs that it's time to repot include roots poking through drainage holes, compacted soil that retains water, or stunted growth despite adequate sunlight and watering. Springtime, just before the growing season begins, is ideal for repotting to minimize stress.

Select a pot that is slightly larger than the current one, ideally 1-2 inches in diameter larger, to provide room for growth without overwhelming the plant. Opt for pots with adequate drainage holes to prevent water stagnation—the primary enemy of Ornithogalum umbellatum as excessive moisture can lead to root rot. A breathable material, like terracotta, is also beneficial to foster healthy root development.

Choose a well-draining sandy soil mix to mimic the plant’s natural habitat. This type of soil prevents water from sitting around the roots, reducing the risk of rot and promoting healthy growth. A mix that includes equal parts potting soil, sand, and perlite provides the necessary drainage and aeration for optimal root establishment, leading to thriving roots and foliage.

Toxicity of Garden star-of-bethlehem

Is Garden star-of-bethlehem toxic to humans?

The garden star-of-bethlehem possesses harmful chemical substances that can be toxic to humans when ingested. Nevertheless, the likelihood of severe poisoning is regarded as low. The bulb and flowers are notably more toxic because of their elevated alkaloid levels. Ingestion of garden star-of-bethlehem may lead to gastrointestinal issues, including nausea, vomiting, excessive salivation, and diarrhea, alongside symptoms like shortness of breath, swelling in the mouth area (encompassing lips, tongue, and throat), as well as pain and a burning sensation. Skin contact may also result in irritation.

Is Garden star-of-bethlehem toxic to cat?

The garden star-of-bethlehem is known to be a toxic plant for cats. Cats may accidentally ingest parts of it, especially the bulb, which harbors harmful substances. If a cat consumes garden star-of-bethlehem, it could show a range of symptoms indicating physical discomfort, such as gastrointestinal disturbances or more serious health issues. It is essential for pet owners to be cautious and keep their cats away from the garden star-of-bethlehem. In the event of suspected poisoning, prompt veterinary care is vital to safeguard the cat's health and welfare.

Is Garden star-of-bethlehem toxic to dog?

The garden star-of-bethlehem is regarded as toxic to dogs. If dogs mistakenly consume this plant, which is a frequent scenario since pets typically explore their surroundings using their mouths, they can become poisoned. The bulb is the main toxic component of the garden star-of-bethlehem, as it contains the dangerous substances that contribute to its toxicity. Should a dog ingest any part of the garden star-of-bethlehem, particularly the bulb, it may display symptoms such as gastrointestinal disturbances, lethargy, and potentially more severe clinical manifestations depending on the quantity consumed. Given the health risks posed by garden star-of-bethlehem, it is imperative for dog owners to keep a close watch on their pets and restrict their access to this plant. If a dog ingests garden star-of-bethlehem, it is vital to seek immediate veterinary care to ensure timely and proper treatment.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

More About Toxic Techniques→