Photo: John Rusk from Berkeley, CA, United States of AmericaCC BY 2.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Aster chilensis Plant Care
Symphyotrichum lentum (Greene) G.L.Nesom
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Symphyotrichum lentum (formerly Aster lentus) is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae with the common name of Suisun Marsh aster. It is a perennial and herbaceous plant endemic to the marshes of Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta of Northern California.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Aster chilensis?
Water Aster chilensis every 7–10 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 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Aster chilensis Native To?
What Is the Aster chilensis?
Aster chilensis (Symphyotrichum lentum) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Symphyotrichum genus. Aster chilensis is native to the marshes of Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta of Northern California. Aster chilensis is also known as Aster lentus.
Aster chilensis displays an upright, bushy perennial growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Aster chilensis produces daisy-like flowers in various colors like purple, blue, pink, and white.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Aster chilensis?
Symphyotrichum lentum requires watering every 7–10 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 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Aster chilensis Need?
Aster chilensis thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Aster chilensis Prefer?
Symphyotrichum lentum grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Aster chilensis prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Aster chilensis?
Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Aster chilensis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Aster chilensis?
Feed Aster chilensis every 6 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 6 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 Aster chilensis?
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 Aster chilensis?
Aster chilensis can be propagated through division, stem cuttings.
Is the Aster chilensis Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Aster chilensis, 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 Aster chilensis?
Aster chilensis is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, powdery mildew. 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 Aster chilensis Need?
Aster chilensis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Aster chilensis is native to the marshes of Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta of Northern California. In cooler regions, grow Aster chilensis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Aster chilensis 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 Symphyotrichum genus — compare its care with other Symphyotrichum species on PlantoScan.
Symphyotrichum is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Aster chilensis 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: Symphyotrichum lentum (Greene) G.L.Nesom, family Asteraceae (first published in Phytologia 77(3): 286 (1995)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Aster chilensis, 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: John Rusk from Berkeley, CA, United States of America, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- 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.
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