Yellow star-of-Bethlehem Plant Care
Sternbergia lutea (L.) Ker Gawl. ex Spreng.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
The vibrant golden-yellow blooms of this plant stand out against its dark green, strap-like leaves. Originating from the Mediterranean region, Sternbergia lutea is highly sought after by plant collectors for its rare and stunning autumnal display.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Yellow star-of-Bethlehem?
Water Yellow star-of-Bethlehem every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Yellow star-of-Bethlehem Native To?
What Is the Yellow star-of-Bethlehem?
Yellow star-of-Bethlehem (Sternbergia lutea) belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family within the Sternbergia genus. Yellow star-of-Bethlehem is native to Mediterranean region. Yellow star-of-Bethlehem is also known as Winter daffodil.
Yellow star-of-Bethlehem displays a clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Yellow star-of-Bethlehem produces yellow, crocus-like flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Yellow star-of-Bethlehem?
Sternbergia lutea requires watering every 7–14 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 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Yellow star-of-Bethlehem Need?
Yellow star-of-Bethlehem thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Yellow star-of-Bethlehem Prefer?
Sternbergia lutea grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Yellow star-of-Bethlehem prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Yellow star-of-Bethlehem?
Well-draining sandy soil with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Yellow star-of-Bethlehem to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Yellow star-of-Bethlehem?
Feed Yellow star-of-Bethlehem 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 Yellow star-of-Bethlehem?
Repot every 2-3 years in early 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 Yellow star-of-Bethlehem?
Yellow star-of-Bethlehem can be propagated through division of bulbs, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to spring sternbergia plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Yellow star-of-Bethlehem Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
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 Yellow star-of-Bethlehem?
Yellow star-of-Bethlehem is susceptible to aphids, thrips, 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 Yellow star-of-Bethlehem Need?
Yellow star-of-Bethlehem grows outdoors in USDA Zone 6a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 6a. Yellow star-of-Bethlehem is native to Mediterranean region.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 6a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
Yellow 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 Sternbergia genus — compare its care with other Sternbergia species on PlantoScan.
Sternbergia is part of the Amaryllidaceae plant family — browse all Amaryllidaceae genera and species.
Yellow star-of-Bethlehem thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Sternbergia lutea (L.) Ker Gawl. ex Spreng., family Amaryllidaceae (first published in Syst. Veg. 2: 57 (1825)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Yellow star-of-Bethlehem is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 6a – 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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