Photo: Thomas GyselinckCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Smallflower Starwort Plant Care
Stellaria apetala Ucria
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is characterized by its tiny white flowers with deeply lobed petals, giving it a star-like appearance. Originating from Europe and Asia, its delicate appearance and ability to form a dense mat make it a sought-after addition for plant collectors looking to fill in gaps in their garden beds.
Every 2–3 days
Part shade to full shade
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Smallflower Starwort?
Water Smallflower 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 month during the growing season.
Where Is the Smallflower Starwort 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 Smallflower Starwort?
Smallflower Starwort (Stellaria apetala) belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family within the Stellaria genus. Smallflower Starwort is native to Europe.
Smallflower Starwort displays a low-growing, spreading perennial growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Smallflower Starwort produces small white flowers with 5 deeply notched petals.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Smallflower Starwort?
Stellaria apetala 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 Smallflower Starwort Need?
Smallflower Starwort thrives in part shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Smallflower 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 Smallflower Starwort Prefer?
Stellaria apetala grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Smallflower Starwort prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Smallflower Starwort?
Moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Smallflower Starwort to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Smallflower Starwort?
Feed Smallflower Starwort every month 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 month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Smallflower 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 Smallflower Starwort?
Smallflower Starwort can be propagated through seeds, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to long-leaved starwort plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Smallflower Starwort Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Smallflower 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 Smallflower Starwort?
Smallflower 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 Smallflower Starwort Need?
Smallflower Starwort grows outdoors in USDA Zone 5a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 5a. Smallflower Starwort is native to Europe.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 5a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
Smallflower 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.
Smallflower 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 apetala Ucria, family Caryophyllaceae (first published in Nuova Racc. Opusc. Aut. Sicil. 6: 251 (1793)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Smallflower 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: Thomas Gyselinck, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 5a – 9b, 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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