Star Grass Plant Care

Star Grass (Hypoxis baurii) belongs to the Hypoxidaceae family within the Hypoxis genus. Star Grass is native to South Africa, Lesotho, and Swaziland.

Star Grass displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Star Grass produces small star-shaped yellow flowers on long stalks.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Star Grass every 7–10 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 Grass thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Star Grass in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Hypoxis baurii tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Star Grass prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter like compost. Good drainage is essential for Star Grass to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Star Grass 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 bright indirect light and well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter like compost. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Star Grass is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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 Grass can spread to about 1 ft (0.2 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.2 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 Grass 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 Grass is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Star Grass can be propagated through division of rhizomes, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to african potato plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Star Grass is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. 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 Grass grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Star Grass is native to South Africa, Lesotho, and Swaziland. In cooler regions, grow Star Grass as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.