Photo: Beverly Trayner from Setúbal, PortugalCC BY 2.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Water Star Plant Care
Asteriscus aquaticus (L.) Less.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Asteriscus aquaticus is a species of flowering plant. The flower is part of the so-called "Asteriscus alliance".
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Water Star?
Water Water Star 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 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Water Star?
Water Star (Asteriscus aquaticus) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Asteriscus genus. Water Star is also known as Buphthalmum aquaticum, Bubonium aquaticum, Inula aquatica.
Water Star displays a low mounding perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Water Star produces daisy-like yellow flowers with dark centers.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Water Star?
Asteriscus aquaticus 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 Water Star Need?
Water Star thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Water Star Prefer?
Asteriscus aquaticus grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Water Star prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Water Star?
Well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Water Star to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Water Star?
Feed Water Star 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 Water Star?
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 Water Star?
Water Star can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to odontospermum daltonii plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Water Star Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Water Star, 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 Water Star?
Water Star is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. 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 Water Star Need?
Water Star grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Water Star as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Water Star 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 Asteriscus genus — compare its care with other Asteriscus species on PlantoScan.
Asteriscus is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Water Star thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Asteriscus aquaticus (L.) Less., family Asteraceae (first published in Syn. Gen. Compos. : 210 (1832)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Water Star, 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: Beverly Trayner from Setúbal, Portugal, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, 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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