Photo: nina_nesterovaCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Autumnal Water Starwort Plant Care
Callitriche cophocarpa Sendtn.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This aquatic plant is easily recognizable by its delicate, finely toothed leaves that grow in pairs along slender stems. Callitriche cophocarpa originates from Europe and Asia, thriving in shallow, slow-moving waters. Plant collectors are drawn to its unique appearance and adaptability to various water conditions, making it a prized addition to aquatic gardens and terrariums.
Every 3–5 days
Full sun to part shade
50–75°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Autumnal Water Starwort?
Water Autumnal Water Starwort every 3–5 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to part shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Autumnal Water Starwort Native To?
- Albania
- Algeria
- Austria
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Egypt
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Libya
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- Morocco
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russia
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- The Netherlands
- Tunisia
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
What Is the Autumnal Water Starwort?
Autumnal Water Starwort (Callitriche cophocarpa) belongs to the Plantaginaceae family within the Callitriche genus. Autumnal Water Starwort is native to Europe, Russia, and Northern Africa. Autumnal Water Starwort is also known as Water Starwort.
Autumnal Water Starwort displays an aquatic, submerged or floating growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Autumnal Water Starwort produces small inconspicuous flowers.
How Often Should You Water a Autumnal Water Starwort?
Callitriche cophocarpa requires watering every 3–5 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 3–5 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Autumnal Water Starwort Need?
Autumnal Water Starwort thrives in full sun to part shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to part shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Autumnal Water Starwort Prefer?
Callitriche cophocarpa grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Autumnal Water Starwort prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Autumnal Water Starwort?
Moist, rich soil with good drainage. Good drainage is essential for Autumnal Water Starwort to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Autumnal Water Starwort?
Feed Autumnal Water Starwort every month 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 month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Autumnal Water Starwort?
Can be grown in aquatic containers or ponds. 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 Autumnal Water Starwort?
Autumnal Water Starwort can be propagated through seeds, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to water starwort plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Autumnal Water Starwort Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Autumnal Water Starwort, 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 Autumnal Water Starwort?
Autumnal Water Starwort is susceptible to no common pests known. 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 Autumnal Water Starwort Need?
Autumnal Water Starwort grows outdoors in USDA Zone 5a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 5a. Autumnal Water Starwort is native to Europe, Russia, and Northern Africa.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 5a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
Autumnal Water Starwort 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 Callitriche genus — compare its care with other Callitriche species on PlantoScan.
Callitriche is part of the Plantaginaceae plant family — browse all Plantaginaceae genera and species.
Autumnal Water Starwort thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Callitriche Species
Other Callitriche species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Callitriche cophocarpa Sendtn., family Plantaginaceae (first published in Veg. Südbayerns : 773 (1854)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Autumnal Water Starwort, 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: nina_nesterova, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 5a – 9b, 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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