Orange Star Plant Care Guide
Orange star plant (Ornithogalum dubium) is a South African bulb plant sold in flower as a houseplant gift throughout much of the year. It produces clusters of vivid orange or yellow star-shaped flowers on upright stems above a rosette of strap-like leaves. The flowers are long-lasting in good light, typically remaining open for four to eight weeks. After flowering, the plant enters a natural dormancy period. Whether it can be encouraged to rebloom indoors is the most common question from readers who received the plant as a gift.
Quick Reference
| Factor | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Light | Bright indirect light; some direct morning sun |
| Water | Allow top 2 to 3 cm to dry between waterings |
| Humidity | 40 to 60 percent; not demanding |
| Temperature | 13 to 21 degrees Celsius during active growth |
| Soil | Well-draining potting mix or bulb mix |
| Fertilizer | Bulb fertilizer monthly during active growth |
| Toxicity | Toxic to cats and dogs |
During the Flowering Period
Bright indirect light with some direct morning sun prolongs the flowering period and keeps the flower stems upright. In lower light, the stems become leggy and the flower clusters lean toward the light source. Keep temperatures cool during flowering: orange star plant is native to South Africa where winter and spring temperatures are mild rather than warm, and it performs better in cooler conditions than most tropical houseplants. Temperatures between 13 and 21 degrees Celsius suit the flowering period.
Water when the top two to three centimeters of mix are dry. Avoid overwatering: the bulb rots quickly in consistently wet conditions.
After Flowering
Once the flowers fade, allow the foliage to continue growing by maintaining watering and light. The leaves are photosynthesizing and replenishing the bulb’s energy reserves for the next season. When the foliage begins to yellow and die back naturally, reduce watering gradually and stop entirely once the leaves have fully died back. Store the pot in a cool, dry location through summer, when the bulb is dormant.
Reblooming
In autumn, resume watering with a small amount of water and move the pot to a bright, cool position. New growth typically emerges within four to six weeks. Success with reblooming indoors depends on providing adequate light and a genuine cool dormancy period during summer. In climates where the pot can be moved outdoors to a shaded but bright position during summer dormancy, reblooming success is higher.