Photo: Alexander DubyninCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Slender Star-of-Bethlehem Plant Care
Gagea filiformis Merckl. ex Herder
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Gagea filiformis is a unique plant known for its slender, thread-like leaves that form a delicate tuft. Originating from Europe and Asia, this plant is popular among enthusiasts for its distinctive appearance and ability to thrive in rocky or sandy habitats.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Slender Star-of-Bethlehem?
Water Slender Star-of-Bethlehem every 7–14 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 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Slender Star-of-Bethlehem Native To?
What Is the Slender Star-of-Bethlehem?
Slender Star-of-Bethlehem (Gagea filiformis) belongs to the Liliaceae family within the Gagea genus. Slender Star-of-Bethlehem is native to Russia, China (Xinjiang), Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Mongolia.
Slender Star-of-Bethlehem displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Slender Star-of-Bethlehem produces small star-shaped flowers in shades of yellow or white.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Slender Star-of-Bethlehem?
Gagea filiformis requires watering every 7–14 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 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Slender Star-of-Bethlehem Need?
Slender Star-of-Bethlehem thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Slender Star-of-Bethlehem Prefer?
Gagea filiformis grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Slender Star-of-Bethlehem prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Slender Star-of-Bethlehem?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Slender Star-of-Bethlehem to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Slender Star-of-Bethlehem?
Feed Slender Star-of-Bethlehem 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 Slender Star-of-Bethlehem?
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 Slender Star-of-Bethlehem?
Slender Star-of-Bethlehem can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to yellow star-of-bethlehem plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Slender Star-of-Bethlehem Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Slender Star-of-Bethlehem, 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 Slender Star-of-Bethlehem?
Slender Star-of-Bethlehem 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 Slender Star-of-Bethlehem Need?
Slender Star-of-Bethlehem grows outdoors in USDA Zone 4a – 7b. It survives winters down to planting zone 4a. Slender Star-of-Bethlehem is native to Russia, China (Xinjiang), Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Mongolia.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 4a – 7b
Keep exploring plants
Slender Star-of-Bethlehem 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 Gagea genus — compare its care with other Gagea species on PlantoScan.
Gagea is part of the Liliaceae plant family — browse all Liliaceae genera and species.
Slender Star-of-Bethlehem thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Gagea Species
Other Gagea species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Gagea filiformis Merckl. ex Herder, family Liliaceae (first published in Bull. Soc. Imp. Naturalistes Moscou 14: 851 (1841)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Slender Star-of-Bethlehem, 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: Alexander Dubynin, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 4a – 7b, 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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