Photo: Summit Metro ParksCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Long-leaved Starwort Plant Care
Stellaria longifolia Muhl. ex Willd.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its long, lance-shaped leaves covered in fine hairs, this plant hailing from the Eastern United States is a unique addition to any collection. Its distinctive foliage and delicate white flowers make it a sought-after choice for plant collectors looking to add a touch of elegance to their gardens.
Every 2–3 days
Part shade to full shade
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Long-leaved Starwort?
Water Long-leaved 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. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Long-leaved Starwort Native To?
What Is the Long-leaved Starwort?
Long-leaved Starwort (Stellaria longifolia) belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family within the Stellaria genus. Long-leaved Starwort is native to much of the northern half of the Northern Hemisphere, occurring throughout northern Europe and North America. Long-leaved Starwort is also known as Longleaf Stitchwort.
Long-leaved Starwort displays a low-growing, spreading perennial growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Long-leaved Starwort produces small white flowers with 5 deeply notched petals.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Long-leaved Starwort?
Stellaria longifolia 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 Long-leaved Starwort Need?
Long-leaved Starwort thrives in part shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Long-leaved 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 Long-leaved Starwort Prefer?
Stellaria longifolia grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Long-leaved Starwort prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Long-leaved Starwort?
Moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Long-leaved Starwort to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Long-leaved Starwort?
Feed Long-leaved Starwort every 2 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 2 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 Long-leaved 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 Long-leaved Starwort?
Long-leaved Starwort can be propagated through seeds, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to smallflower starwort plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Long-leaved Starwort Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Long-leaved 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 Long-leaved Starwort?
Long-leaved 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 Long-leaved Starwort Need?
Long-leaved Starwort grows outdoors in USDA Zone 3a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 3a. Long-leaved Starwort is native to much of the northern half of the Northern Hemisphere, occurring throughout northern Europe and North America.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 3a – 8b
Keep exploring plants
Long-leaved 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.
Long-leaved 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 longifolia Muhl. ex Willd., family Caryophyllaceae (first published in Enum. Pl. : 479 (1809)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Long-leaved 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.
- Photo: Summit Metro Parks, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 3a – 8b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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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