James' False Starwort Plant Care
Pseudostellaria jamesiana (Torr.) W.A.Weber & R.L.Hartm.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Torreyostellaria is a genus of flowering plants in the family Caryophyllaceae. It is monotypic, being represented by the single species Torreyostellaria jamesiana, commonly known as tuber starwort and sticky starwort, It is native to much of the western United States, where it can be found in sagebrush, coniferous forests, and many other types of habitat.
Every 3–5 days
Partial shade to full shade
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for James' False Starwort?
Water James' False Starwort every 3–5 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial shade to full shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the James' False Starwort Native To?
What Is the James' False Starwort?
James' False Starwort (Pseudostellaria jamesiana) belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family within the Pseudostellaria genus. James' False Starwort is native to much of the western United States.
James' False Starwort displays a low-growing, spreading perennial growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. James' False Starwort produces small, white, star-shaped flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 1.5 inches.
How Often Should You Water a James' False Starwort?
Pseudostellaria jamesiana requires watering every 3–5 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 3–5 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the James' False Starwort Need?
James' False Starwort thrives in partial shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 50–200 lux. Avoid placing James' False Starwort in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Partial shade to full shade
50–200 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the James' False Starwort Prefer?
Pseudostellaria jamesiana grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. James' False Starwort prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a James' False Starwort?
Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for James' False Starwort to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a James' False Starwort?
Feed James' False Starwort 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.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a James' False Starwort?
Divide and 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 James' False Starwort?
James' False Starwort can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to greater stitchwort plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the James' False Starwort Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list James' False Starwort, 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 James' False Starwort?
James' False Starwort is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the James' False Starwort Need?
James' False Starwort grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. James' False Starwort is native to much of the western United States. In cooler regions, grow James' False Starwort as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
James' False Starwort 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 Pseudostellaria genus — compare its care with other Pseudostellaria species on PlantoScan.
Pseudostellaria is part of the Caryophyllaceae plant family — browse all Caryophyllaceae genera and species.
James' False Starwort copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Pseudostellaria jamesiana (Torr.) W.A.Weber & R.L.Hartm., family Caryophyllaceae (first published in Phytologia 44: 314 (1979)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list James' False Starwort, 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.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- 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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