Creeping Star-of-Bethlehem Plant Care
Stellaria radicans Lapeyr.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is easily recognizable by its heart-shaped leaves and delicate white flowers originating from the Central and Southern regions of Europe. Plant collectors are drawn to Stellaria radicans for its charming appearance and ability to form dense, low-growing mats that create a lush groundcover in gardens.
Every 2–3 days
Part shade to full shade
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Creeping Star-of-Bethlehem?
Water Creeping Star-of-Bethlehem 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 Creeping Star-of-Bethlehem Native To?
- Albania
- Austria
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russia
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- The Netherlands
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
What Is the Creeping Star-of-Bethlehem?
Creeping Star-of-Bethlehem (Stellaria radicans) belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family within the Stellaria genus. Creeping Star-of-Bethlehem is native to the mountains of Europe.
Creeping Star-of-Bethlehem displays a low-growing, spreading perennial growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Creeping Star-of-Bethlehem produces small white flowers with 5 deeply notched petals.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Creeping Star-of-Bethlehem?
Stellaria radicans 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 Creeping Star-of-Bethlehem Need?
Creeping Star-of-Bethlehem thrives in part shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Creeping Star-of-Bethlehem 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 Creeping Star-of-Bethlehem Prefer?
Stellaria radicans grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Creeping Star-of-Bethlehem prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Creeping Star-of-Bethlehem?
Moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Creeping Star-of-Bethlehem to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Creeping Star-of-Bethlehem?
Feed Creeping Star-of-Bethlehem 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 Creeping Star-of-Bethlehem?
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 Creeping Star-of-Bethlehem?
Creeping Star-of-Bethlehem can be propagated through seeds, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to smallflower starwort plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Creeping Star-of-Bethlehem Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Creeping Star-of-Bethlehem, 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 Creeping Star-of-Bethlehem?
Creeping Star-of-Bethlehem 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 Creeping Star-of-Bethlehem Need?
Creeping Star-of-Bethlehem grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Creeping Star-of-Bethlehem is native to the mountains of Europe. In cooler regions, grow Creeping Star-of-Bethlehem as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Creeping Star-of-Bethlehem 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.
Creeping Star-of-Bethlehem 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 radicans Lapeyr., family Caryophyllaceae (first published in Hist. Pl. Pyrénées : 250 (1813)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Creeping Star-of-Bethlehem, 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.
