Water Chickweed Plant Care
Stellaria aquatica Scop.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Stellaria aquatica is a species of flowering plant in the carnation family Caryophyllaceae, known as water chickweed or giant chickweed. It is a perennial herbaceous dicot plant with stems between 10 and 100 cm.
Every 2–3 days
Part shade to full shade
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Water Chickweed?
Water Water Chickweed every 2–3 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it part shade to full shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–60% humidity.
What Is the Water Chickweed?
Water Chickweed (Stellaria aquatica) belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family within the Stellaria genus. Water Chickweed is also known as Water Starwort.
Water Chickweed displays a low-growing, spreading perennial growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Water Chickweed produces small white flowers with 5 deeply notched petals.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Water Chickweed?
Stellaria aquatica requires watering every 2–3 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 2–3 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Water Chickweed Need?
Water Chickweed thrives in part shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Water Chickweed in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Part shade to full shade
100–500 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Water Chickweed Prefer?
Stellaria aquatica grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Water Chickweed prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Water Chickweed?
Moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Water Chickweed to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Water Chickweed?
Divide and repot every 2-3 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.
How Do You Propagate a Water Chickweed?
Water Chickweed can be propagated through seeds, division.
Is the Water Chickweed Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Water Chickweed, 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 Water Chickweed?
Water Chickweed is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. 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 Water Chickweed Need?
Water Chickweed grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Water Chickweed as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Water Chickweed 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 Stellaria genus — compare its care with other Stellaria species on PlantoScan.
Stellaria is part of the Caryophyllaceae plant family — browse all Caryophyllaceae genera and species.
Water Chickweed 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: Stellaria aquatica Scop., family Caryophyllaceae (first published in Fl. Carniol. , ed. 2, 1: 319 (1771)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Water Chickweed, 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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