Alpine Starwort Plant Care
Stellaria calycantha (Ledeb.) Bong.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Stellaria calycantha is a species of flowering plant in the family Caryophyllaceae known by the common name northern starwort. It is native to western North America from Alaska and northwestern Canada to California and New Mexico, as well as eastern Russia.
Every 2–3 days
Part shade to full shade
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Alpine Starwort?
Water Alpine Starwort 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.
Where Is the Alpine Starwort Native To?
What Is the Alpine Starwort?
Alpine Starwort (Stellaria calycantha) belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family within the Stellaria genus. Alpine Starwort is native to western North America from Alaska and northwestern Canada to California and New Mexico, as well as eastern Russia.
Alpine Starwort displays a low-growing, spreading perennial growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Alpine Starwort produces small white flowers with 5 deeply notched petals.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Alpine Starwort?
Stellaria calycantha 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 Alpine Starwort Need?
Alpine Starwort thrives in part shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Alpine Starwort 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 Alpine Starwort Prefer?
Stellaria calycantha grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Alpine Starwort prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Alpine Starwort?
Moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Alpine Starwort to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Alpine Starwort?
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 Alpine Starwort?
Alpine Starwort can be propagated through seeds, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to smallflower starwort plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Alpine Starwort Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Alpine 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 Alpine Starwort?
Alpine Starwort 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 Alpine Starwort Need?
Alpine Starwort grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Alpine Starwort is native to western North America from Alaska and northwestern Canada to California and New Mexico, as well as eastern Russia. In cooler regions, grow Alpine Starwort as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Alpine 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 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.
Alpine Starwort copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
More Stellaria Species
Other Stellaria species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Stellaria calycantha (Ledeb.) Bong., family Caryophyllaceae (first published in Veg. Sitcha : 127 (1833)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Alpine 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.
Identify Plants Like the
Alpine Starwort Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species