Star-of-Bethlehem Plant Care
Gagea spathacea Salisb.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Gagea spathacea, the Belgian gagea, is a European species of small bulbous perennial plants in the lily family. It is distinguished from other members of its genus by its large leaves and the lack of any surface ornamentation of its flower stalks and its leaves.
Full sun to partial shade
At a glance
How do you care for Star-of-Bethlehem?
Star-of-Bethlehem grows best in full sun to partial shade.
What Is the Star-of-Bethlehem?
Star-of-Bethlehem (Gagea spathacea) belongs to the Liliaceae family within the Gagea genus.
Star-of-Bethlehem displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Star-of-Bethlehem produces small star-shaped flowers in shades of yellow or white.
What Light Does the Star-of-Bethlehem Need?
Star-of-Bethlehem thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Star-of-Bethlehem?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Star-of-Bethlehem to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a 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 Star-of-Bethlehem?
Star-of-Bethlehem can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to slender star-of-bethlehem plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Star-of-Bethlehem Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list 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 Star-of-Bethlehem?
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.
Keep exploring plants
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.
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 spathacea Salisb., family Liliaceae (first published in Ann. Bot. (König & Sims) 2: 556 (1806)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list 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.
- 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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