Photo: Diego7864CC BY-SA 4.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Smith's Asteriscus Plant Care
Asteriscus smithii Walp.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's silvery-green leaves are its most distinctive feature, giving it an almost ethereal appearance. Originating from the Canary Islands, Asteriscus smithii is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique foliage and ability to thrive in a variety of growing conditions.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Smith's Asteriscus?
Water Smith's Asteriscus 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.
Where Is the Smith's Asteriscus Native To?
What Is the Smith's Asteriscus?
Smith's Asteriscus (Asteriscus smithii) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Asteriscus genus. Smith's Asteriscus is native to the island of São Nicolau, Cape Verde. Smith's Asteriscus is also known as Odontospermum smithii, Bubonium smithii, Nauplius smithii.
Smith's Asteriscus displays a low mounding perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Smith's Asteriscus produces daisy-like yellow flowers with dark centers.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Smith's Asteriscus?
Asteriscus smithii 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 Smith's Asteriscus Need?
Smith's Asteriscus thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Smith's Asteriscus Prefer?
Asteriscus smithii grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Smith's Asteriscus prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Smith's Asteriscus?
Well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Smith's Asteriscus to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Smith's Asteriscus?
Feed Smith's Asteriscus 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 Smith's Asteriscus?
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 Smith's Asteriscus?
Smith's Asteriscus can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to water star plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Smith's Asteriscus Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Smith's Asteriscus, 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 Smith's Asteriscus?
Smith's Asteriscus 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 Smith's Asteriscus Need?
Smith's Asteriscus grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Smith's Asteriscus is native to the island of São Nicolau, Cape Verde. In cooler regions, grow Smith's Asteriscus as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Smith's Asteriscus 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.
Smith's Asteriscus 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 smithii Walp., family Asteraceae (first published in Ann. Bot. Syst. 2(5): 844 (1852)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Smith's Asteriscus, 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: Diego7864, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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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