Star-fruit Plant Care

Star-fruit (Damasonium bourgaei) belongs to the Alismataceae family within the Damasonium genus. Star-fruit is also known as Alisma.

Star-fruit displays an aquatic or marsh plants growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Star-fruit produces small white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Star-fruit every 2–4 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Star-fruit thrives in full sun to part shade.

Damasonium bourgaei tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Star-fruit prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Rich, loamy soil with good moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Star-fruit to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Star-fruit every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to part shade and rich, loamy soil with good moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Star-fruit is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Star-fruit can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Star-fruit while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Star-fruit is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Star-fruit can be propagated through seeds, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to greater water-plantain plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Star-fruit is susceptible to aphids, snails, slugs. 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.

Star-fruit grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Star-fruit as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.