Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Hoary Aster Plant Care
Aster incisus Fisch.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its deeply lobed leaves resembling delicate fern fronds, this plant is native to the mountains of Nepal and China. Aster incisus is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique foliage and ability to add a touch of exotic beauty to any garden or indoor space.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–75°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Hoary Aster?
Water Hoary Aster every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Hoary Aster Native To?
What Is the Hoary Aster?
Hoary Aster (Aster incisus) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Aster genus. Hoary Aster is native to the Eastern Asia.
Hoary Aster displays an upright, bushy perennial growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Hoary Aster produces daisy-like flowers in various colors like purple, pink, white, and blue.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Hoary Aster?
Aster incisus requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Hoary Aster Need?
Hoary Aster thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Hoary Aster Prefer?
Aster incisus grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Hoary Aster prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Hoary Aster?
Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Hoary Aster to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Hoary Aster?
Feed Hoary Aster every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Hoary Aster?
Divide and repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Hoary Aster?
Hoary Aster can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to rough-surface aster plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Hoary Aster Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Hoary Aster, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Hoary Aster?
Hoary Aster is susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Hoary Aster Need?
Hoary Aster grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Hoary Aster is native to the Eastern Asia. In cooler regions, grow Hoary Aster as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
Hoary Aster is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Aster genus — compare its care with other Aster species on PlantoScan.
Aster is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Hoary Aster thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Aster Species
Other Aster species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Aster incisus Fisch., family Asteraceae (first published in Mem. Soc. Nat. Mosc. 3: 76 (1812)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Hoary Aster, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a – 9b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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