Drooping Star-of-Bethlehem Plant Care

Drooping Star-of-Bethlehem (Ornithogalum nutans) belongs to the Asparagaceae family within the Ornithogalum genus. Drooping Star-of-Bethlehem is native to Europe and South West Asia. Drooping Star-of-Bethlehem is also known as Nodding Star-of-Bethlehem.

Drooping Star-of-Bethlehem displays an upright, clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Drooping Star-of-Bethlehem produces star-shaped white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

Ornithogalum nutans requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.

Drooping Star-of-Bethlehem thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Drooping Star-of-Bethlehem in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Ornithogalum nutans grows best at temperatures of 65–75°F. Drooping Star-of-Bethlehem prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining potting mix with added perlite for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for Drooping Star-of-Bethlehem to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Drooping Star-of-Bethlehem every 6 months 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.

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

Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.

Drooping Star-of-Bethlehem can be propagated through offsets, division of bulbs. Similar propagation techniques also apply to star-of-bethlehem plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Drooping Star-of-Bethlehem is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, mealybugs. 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.

Drooping Star-of-Bethlehem grows outdoors in USDA Zone 6a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 6a. Drooping Star-of-Bethlehem is native to Europe and South West Asia.