Aster (Symphyotrichum regnellii)

Photo: The New York Botanical GardenCC BY 4.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped

Aster Plant Care

Symphyotrichum regnellii (Baker) G.L.Nesom

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Symphyotrichum regnellii (formerly Aster regnellii) is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae native to Argentina and Brazil. It is herbaceous plant that grows 60 to 120 centimeters (2 to 4 feet) tall. Its flowers have white to pink ray florets that are 3 millimeters (1⁄10 inch) long. It grows in swamps and wet savannas.

🌱Herbs🌼Perennials🌻Annuals
Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

50–80°F

Humidity

40–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Aster?

Water Aster 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 Native To?

Native range2 countries

What Is the Aster?

Aster (Symphyotrichum regnellii) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Symphyotrichum genus. Aster is native to Argentina and Brazil.

Aster displays an upright, bushy perennial growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Aster 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?

Symphyotrichum regnellii 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 Need?

Aster thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Aster Prefer?

Symphyotrichum regnellii grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Aster prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Temperature

50–80°F

Humidity

40–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Aster?

Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Aster to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Aster?

Feed Aster 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?

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?

Aster can be propagated through division, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to pineywoods aster plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Aster Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Aster, 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?

Aster 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 Need?

Aster grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Aster is native to Argentina and Brazil. In cooler regions, grow Aster as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 12a

Keep exploring plants

Aster 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 thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Symphyotrichum Species

Other Symphyotrichum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Symphyotrichum regnellii (Baker) G.L.Nesom, family Asteraceae (first published in Phytologia 77(3): 291 (1995)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Aster, 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: The New York Botanical Garden, CC BY 4.0, 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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